When people tried to bow before him, Absalom wouldn’t let them. Instead, he took them by the hand and kissed them. 6Absalom did this with everyone who came to the king for judgment, and so he stole the hearts of all the people of Israel.

So Absalom went to Hebron. 10But while he was there, he sent secret messengers to all the tribes of Israel to stir up a rebellion against the king. 

But Ittai said to the king, “I vow by the Lord and by your own life that I will go wherever my lord the king goes, no matter what happens—whether it means life or death.”

 “If the Lord sees fit,” David said, “he will bring me back to see the Ark and the Tabernacle15:25 Hebrew and his dwelling place. again. 26But if he is through with me, then let him do what seems best to him.”

And perhaps the Lord will see that I am being wronged16:12 As in Greek and Syriac versions; Hebrew reads see my iniquity. and will bless me because of these curses today.”

 For the Lord had determined to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel, which really was the better plan, so that he could bring disaster on Absalom!

Lord God my Father,

Keep my heart close to you and protect me from deceit. Allow your plan to rest well with me and use your peace to keep me true to you.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen