Absalom’s Treason
1 After this ait happened that Absalom bprovided 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 alawsuit 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, your1 case is good and right; but there is no2 deputy of the king to hear you.”
4 Moreover Absalom would say, a“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 akiss him.
6 In this manner Absalom acted toward all Israel who came to the king for judgment. aSo Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
7 Now it came to pass aafter forty years that Absalom said to the king, “Please, let me go to bHebron and pay the vow which I made to the Lord.
8 aFor your servant btook a vow cwhile 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.
New King James Version®, Copyright© 1982, Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.
Book Notes:
Barnes' Book Notes
Introduction to 2 Samuel
See the Introduction to Samuel in the notes on First Samuel
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