Absalom revolts against David

2Sa 15:1: And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.

2Sa 15:2: And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.

2Sa 15:3: And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.

2Sa 15:4: Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!

2Sa 15:5: And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.

2Sa 15:6: And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

2Sa 15:7: And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.

2Sa 15:8: For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.

2Sa 15:9: And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.

2Sa 15:10: But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.

2Sa 15:11: And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.

2Sa 15:12: And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counseller, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.