4. Absalom would continue, “If I were appointed a judge in the land, then every man who had a claim could come and I would give him justice.”
5. When a man would approach to bow before him, he would reach out, embrace him, and kiss him.
6. Absalom acted this way toward every Israelite who came to the king for a judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
7. After forty years, Absalom said to the king, “Please allow me to go fulfill my vow that I made to the Lord in Hebron.
8. For your servant made a vow when I was dwelling in Geshur in Aram, saying: If indeed the Lord will bring me back to Jerusalem, then I will serve the Lord.”