2 Samuel 15:1–10

¹And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared for himself chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. ²And Absalom rose early, and stood beside the way of the gate; and it was so, that when any man who had a controversy had to come to the king for judgment, then Absalom called him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. ³And Absalom said to him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man to hear thee appointed by the king. ⁴And Absalom said, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who has any controversy and cause might come to me, and I would do him justice! ⁵And it was so, that when any man came near to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. ⁶And in this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment; and Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

⁷And it came to pass at the end of forty years, that Absalom said to the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay in Hebron my vow which I have vowed to Jehovah. ⁸For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode in Geshur in Syria, saying, If Jehovah shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve Jehovah. ⁹And the king said to him, Go in peace. And he rose up and went to Hebron. ¹⁰And Absalom sent emissaries into all the tribes of Israel, saying, When ye hear the sound of the trumpet, ye shall say, Absalom reigns in Hebron.