king's judgment, Absalom called
him to him, and said: Of what city art thou? He answered, and said: Thy
servant is of such tribe of Israel.

15:3. And Absalom answered him: Thy words seem to me good and just. But
there is no man appointed by the king to hear thee. And Absalom said:

15:4. O that they would make me judge over the land, that all that have
business might come to me, that I might do them justice.

15:5. Moreover when any man came to him to salute him, he put forth his
hand, and took him, and kissed him.

15:6. And this he did to all Israel that came for judgment, to be heard
by the king, and he enticed the hearts of the men of Israel.

15:7. And after forty years, Absalom said to king David: Let me go, and
pay my vows which I have vowed to the Lord in Hebron.

15:8. For thy servant made a vow, when he was in Gessur of Syria,
saying: If the Lord shall bring me again into Jerusalem, I will offer
sacrifice to the Lord.

15:9. And king David said to him: Go in peace. And he arose, and went to
Hebron.

15:10. And Absalom sent spies into all the tribes of Israel, saying: As
soon as you shall hear the sound of the trumpet, say ye: Absalom
reigneth in Hebron.

15:11. Now there went with Absalom two hundred men out of Jerusalem that
were called, going with simplicity of heart, and knowing nothing of the
design.

15:12. Absalom also sent for Achitophel the Gilonite, David's
counsellor, from his city Gilo. And while he was offering sacrifices,
there was a strong conspiracy, and the people running together increased
with Absalom.

15:13. And there came a messenger to David, saying: All Israel with
their whole heart followeth Absalom.

15:14. And David said to his servants, that were with him in Jerusalem:
Arise and let us flee: for we shall not escape else from the face of
Absalom: make haste to go out, lest he come and overtake us, and bring
ruin upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.

15:15. And the king's servants said to him: Whatsoever our lord the king
shall command, we thy servants will willingly execute.

15:16. And the king went forth, and all his household on foot: and the
king left ten women his concubines to keep the house:

Concubines... That is, wives of an inferior degree.

15:17. And the king going forth and all Israel on foot, stood afar off
from the house:

15:18. And all his servants walked by him, and the bands of the Cerethi,
and the Phelethi, and all the Geth