Background:
Absalom, the third son of King David, is a prominent figure in the narrative of the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the books of 2 Samuel. Known for his striking appearance and charismatic personality, Absalom's account is marked by ambition, rebellion, and tragedy. His gathering of supporters is a pivotal moment in his rebellion against his father, King David.

The Gathering of Supporters:
The account of Absalom's gathering of supporters is primarily found in 2 Samuel 15. Absalom's rebellion is a calculated effort to usurp the throne of Israel from his father, King David. The narrative describes how Absalom strategically won the hearts of the people of Israel and amassed a significant following.

Absalom's Strategy:
Absalom's campaign to gather supporters begins with a calculated charm offensive. He positions himself at the city gate, where he intercepts those coming to seek justice from the king. By presenting himself as a sympathetic and accessible alternative to King David, Absalom sows seeds of discontent and wins the favor of the people. The Berean Standard Bible captures this in 2 Samuel 15:6: "Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel."

The Declaration at Hebron:
Absalom's next move is to declare himself king. He requests permission from David to go to Hebron under the pretense of fulfilling a vow to the LORD. Once in Hebron, Absalom sends secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel, instructing them to proclaim him king as soon as they hear the sound of the trumpet. This is recorded in 2 Samuel 15:10 : "Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: 'When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’"

Key Supporters:
Absalom's rebellion is bolstered by key figures who join his cause. Among them is Ahithophel, David's counselor, whose defection is particularly significant due to his reputation for wise counsel. 2 Samuel 15:12 notes, "While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing."

David's Response:
The news of Absalom's growing support and his declaration as king reaches David, prompting a swift response. David decides to flee Jerusalem to avoid bloodshed and to regroup. This moment is a testament to the gravity of Absalom's rebellion and the effectiveness of his campaign to gather supporters.

Significance:
The gathering of Absalom's supporters marks a critical juncture in the narrative of David's reign. It highlights themes of loyalty, ambition, and the complexities of familial relationships. Absalom's ability to win the hearts of the people and the support of influential figures underscores the challenges David faces as a leader and father. The events set in motion by Absalom's actions lead to a series of conflicts that have lasting implications for the kingdom of Israel.