2 Samuel 15:1-6

GOD’S WORD Translation

David Overthrown

15 Soon after this, Absalom acquired a chariot, horses, and 50 men to run ahead of him. ² Absalom used to get up early and stand by the road leading to the city gate. When anyone had a case to be tried by King David, Absalom would ask, “Which city are you from?”

After the person had told him which tribe in Israel he was from, ³ Absalom would say, “Your case is good and proper, but the king hasn’t appointed anyone to hear it.” ⁴ He would add, “I wish someone would make me judge in the land. Then anyone who had a case to be tried could come to me, and I would make sure that he got justice.” ⁵ When anyone approached him and bowed down, Absalom would reach out, take hold of him, and kiss him. ⁶ This is what he did for all Israelites who came to the king to have him try their case. So Absalom stole the hearts of the people of Israel.