2 Samuel 15:2-6

Common English Bible

² Absalom would get up early and stand by the side of the road that went through the city gate. Whenever anyone had a lawsuit to bring before the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him, “What city are you from?” When the person said, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” ³ then Absalom would say to him, “No doubt your claims are correct and valid, but the king won’t listen to you. ⁴ If only I were made a judge in the land,” Absalom would continue, “then anyone with a lawsuit could come to me, and I would give them justice.”

⁵ Whenever anyone came near to Absalom, bowing low out of respect, he would reach his hand out, grab them, and kiss them. ⁶ This is how Absalom treated every Israelite who came to the king seeking justice. This is how Absalom stole the hearts of the Israelites.