Dark Days — Part One
Absalom’s Deception
After this, Absalom acquired a chariot, horses, and fifty men to run ahead of him. He would rise early and stand by the city gate, intercepting those who came to the king for judgment. He would ask, “What city are you from?” and when they responded, he would say, “Your claims are valid and just, but the king has not appointed anyone to hear your case.”
Then Absalom would add, “If only I were judge in the land! Then everyone with a dispute could come to me, and I would grant them justice.” Whenever someone approached to bow before him, Absalom would reach out, embrace them, and kiss them. He did this to all who came to the king, gradually winning over the hearts of the Israelites.
Absalom’s Conspiracy
After four years, Absalom said to the king, “Allow me to go to Hebron to fulfill a vow I made to the LORD. While I was living in Geshur in Aram, I vowed that if the LORD brought me back to Jerusalem, I would worship Him.”
King David told him, “Go in peace.” So Absalom left for Hebron. But he secretly sent messengers across Israel, instructing them, “When you hear the sound of the trumpet, declare: ‘Absalom is king in Hebron!’”
With him went 200 men from Jerusalem who had been invited, unaware of his plans. As Absalom offered sacrifices, he summoned Ahithophel the Gilonite, King David’s counselor. The conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s followers increased.
