2 Samuel 15

1And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was , that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city you? And he said, your servant of one of the tribes of Israel. 3And Absalom said unto him, See, your matters good and right; but no man of the king to hear you. 4Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which has any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! 5And it was , that when any man came nigh to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. 6And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. 7And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray you, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the Yahuah, in Hebron. 8For your servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the Yahuah shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the Yahuah. 9And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron. 10But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron. 11And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing. 12And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom. 13And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom. 14And David said unto all his servants that with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword. 15And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, your servants whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint. 16And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, concubines, to keep the house. 17And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off. 18And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king. 19Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, therefore goest you also with us? return to your place, and abide with the king: for you a stranger, and also an exile. 20Whereas you camest yesterday, should I this day make you go up and down with us? seeing I go where I may, return you, and take back your brethren: mercy and truth with you. 21And Ittai answered the king, and said, the Yahuah liveth, and my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will your servant be. 22And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that with him. 23And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness. 24And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of Elohim: and they set down the ark of Elohim; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city. 25And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of Elohim into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the Yahuah, he will bring me again, and shew me it, and his habitation: 26But if he thus say, I have no delight in you; behold, I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him. 27The king said also unto Zadok the priest, you a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. 28See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me. 29Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of Elohim again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there. 30And David went up by the ascent of Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up. 31And told David, saying, Ahithophel among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O Yahuah, I pray you, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. 32And it came to pass, that David was come to the top , where he worshipped Elohim, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head: 33Unto whom David said, If you passest on with me, then you shall be a burden unto me: 34But if you return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be your servant, O king; I your father's servant hitherto, so I now also your servant: then mayest you for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. 35And not there with you Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, what thing soever you shall hear out of the king's house, you shall tell to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. 36Behold, there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's , and Jonathan Abiathar's ; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear. 37So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.