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.
9 And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.
10 But Ab´salom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Ab´salom reigneth in Hebron.
11 And with Ab´salom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.
12 And Ab´salom sent for Ahith´ophel the Gi´lonite, David's counselor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Ab´salom.
13 And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Ab´salom.