Scriptures

New King James Version (NKJV)

2 Samuel 15
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.
¹⁰ Then Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, "As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, ’Absalom reigns in Hebron!’ "
¹¹ And with Absalom went two hundred men invited from Jerusalem, and they went along innocently and did not know anything.
¹² Then Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city--from Giloh--while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy grew strong, for the people with Absalom continually increased in number.
¹³ Now a messenger came to David, saying, "The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom."
¹⁴ So David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, "Arise, and let us flee; or we shall not escape from Absalom. Make haste to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly and bring disaster upon us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword."