MSTC(i)
1 After this Absalom gat him chariots and horses and fifty men to run before him.
2 And thereto he used to rise up early in the mornings and to stand by the wayside that led to the gate of the city. And all the men of Israel that had complaints and came to the king for judgment, he called unto him, and said, "Of what city art thou?" And when the other answered, "thy servant is of such a tribe of Israel,"
3 then said Absalom unto him, "See, thy matter is good and righteous, and yet no man is deputed of the king to hear thee."
4 Then Absalom said moreover, "Oh, that I were a judge in the land, and that all men which have pleas and matter in the law, should come to me. For I would do them justice."
5 And also when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand and took him to him and kissed him.
6 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment; and therewith stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
7 And at forty years' end Absalom said unto the king, "Let me go, I pray thee, to Hebron; and pay my vow which I have vowed unto the LORD.
8 For thy servant vowed a vow when I was in Geshur in the land of Syria, saying, "If the LORD shall bring me again to Jerusalem, I will serve the LORD."
9 And the king said, "Go in peace." And so he arose and went to Hebron.
10 Then Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, "As soon as ye hear the voice of the trumpet blow, say, 'Absalom reigneth king in Hebron.'"
11 And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem that were called. And they went with pure hearts and knew nothing of the matter.
12 And Absalom sent also for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, and fetched him out of his city Giloh, when he sacrificed sacrifices. And there was wrought strong treason. And the people drew to Absalom in great multitude.
13 And there came a messenger to David and said, "The hearts of the men of Israel are to follow Absalom."
14 Then said David unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, "Up, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom. Make speed to depart; lest he come suddenly and catch us and bring some mischief upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword."
15 And the king's servants said to him, "Behold, thy servants are ready to whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint."
16 And the king and all his household departed afoot. And he left behind him ten wives that were his concubines, to keep the house.
17 And so the king and all the people went out afoot and tarried far from the house.
18 And all his servants went by his side. And all the Cherethites and all the Pelethites, and all the Hittites, even six hundred men which were come afoot from Gath, went before the king.
19 Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, "Wherefore shouldest thou go with us also? Return and abide with the king, for thou art a stranger and art removed from thine own place.
20 Thou camest but yesterday, and should I unquiet thee today to go with us? I will go whither I go. But return thou and carry again thy brethren. Mercy and truth be with thee."