2 And Ab´salom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Ab´salom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
3 And Ab´salom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.
4 Ab´salom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!
5 And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.
6 And on this manner did Ab´salom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Ab´salom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
7 And it came to pass after forty years, that Ab´salom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the Lord, in Hebron.
8 For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the Lord shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the Lord.