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.
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 areigns in Hebron!’ ”
11 And with Absalom went two hundred men ainvited from Jerusalem, and they bwent along innocently and did not know anything.
12 Then Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, aDavid’s counselor, from his city—from bGiloh—while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy grew strong, for the people with Absalom ccontinually increased in number.
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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