1
After this it happened that Absalom provided himself with chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
2
Now Absalom would rise early and stand beside the way to the gate. So it was, whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to the king for a decision, that Absalom would call to him and say, "What city are you from?" And he would say, "Your servant is from such and such a tribe of Israel."
3
Then Absalom would say to him, "Look, your case is good and right; but there is no deputy of the king to hear you."
4
Moreover Absalom would say, "Oh, that I were made judge in the land, and everyone who has any suit or cause would come to me; then I would give him justice."
5
And so it was, whenever anyone came near to bow down to him, that he would put out his hand and take him and kiss him.
6
In this manner Absalom acted toward all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
7
Now it came to pass after forty years that Absalom said to the king, "Please, let me go to Hebron and pay the vow which I made to the Lord.
8
For your servant took a vow while I dwelt at Geshur in Syria, saying, 'If the Lord indeed brings me back to Jerusalem, then I will serve the Lord.' "
9
And the king said to him, "Go in peace." So he arose and went to Hebron.