7 *And it came to pass cafter forty years, that Absalom 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 dvowed a vow ewhile 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, fGo in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron. 10 But 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. 11 And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were gcalled; and they went hin their simplicity, and they knew not any thing. 12 And Absalom sent for iAhithophel the Gilonite, jDavid’s counseller, from his city, even from kGiloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people lincreased mcontinually with Absalom.

13 And there came a messenger to David, saying, nThe hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom. 14 And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us oflee; for we shall not else 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.