2Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man had a suit which should come to the king for judgment, then Absalom called to him, and said, Of what city are you? He said, Your servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
3Absalom said to him, Behold, your matters are good and right; but there is no man deputized of the king to hear you.
4Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who has any suit or cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!
5It was so, that when any man came near to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took hold of him, and kissed him.
6In this manner Absalom did to all Israel who came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
7It happened at the end of forty years, that Absalom said to the king, please let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed to Yahweh, in Hebron.
8For your servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If Yahweh shall indeed bring me again to Jerusalem, then I will serve Yahweh.
