NET Bible
"Absalom would then say,“If only they would make me a judge in the land! Then everyone who had a judicial complaint could come to me and I would make sure he receives a just settlement.”"
— 2 Samuel 15:4, NET Bible
“Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!”
“Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! ”
“Absalom said moreover, "Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who has any suit or cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!"”
“O that they would make me judge over the land, that all that have business might come to me, that I might do them justice.”
“And more than this, Absalom said, If only I was made judge in the land, so that every man who has any cause or question might come to me, and I would give a right decision for him!”
“Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!”
Absalom Leads an Insurrection against David Some time later Absalom managed to acquire a chariot and horses, as well as fifty men to serve as his royal guard.
Now Absalom used to get up early and stand beside the road that led to the city gate. Whenever anyone came by who had a complaint to bring to the king for arbitration, Absalom would call out to him,“What city are you from?” The person would answer,“I, your servant, am from one of the tribes of Israel.”
Absalom would then say to him,“Look, your claims are legitimate and appropriate. But there is no representative of the king who will listen to you.”
Absalom would then say,“If only they would make me a judge in the land! Then everyone who had a judicial complaint could come to me and I would make sure he receives a just settlement.”
When someone approached to bow before him, Absalom would extend his hand and embrace him and kiss him.
Absalom acted this way toward everyone in Israel who came to the king for justice. In this way Absalom won the loyalty of the citizens of Israel.
After four years Absalom said to the king,“Let me go and repay my vow that I made to the LORD while I was in Hebron.