Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

with their sufferings and regret at the inefficiency of the
government. "'Oh, that I were made judge in the land, and everyone
who has any suit or cause would come to me; then I would give him
justice.' And so it was, whenever anyone came near to bow down to
him, that he would put out his hand and take him and kiss him."
Rebellion Grows Underground
Discontent with the government was spreading fast, stirred up
and encouraged by the prince. Absalom was generally regarded as
heir to the kingdom, and many wanted him to sit on the throne. "So
Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel." Yet the king
suspected nothing. David thought the princely role that Absalom had
assumed was intended to give honor to his court.
Absalom secretly sent chosen men throughout the tribes to lay
plans for revolt, and now he used religious devotion as a covering to
conceal his traitorous plans. Absalom said to the king, "Please, let
me go to Hebron and pay the vow which I made to the Lord. For
your servant took a vow while I dwelt at Geshur in Syria, saying, 'If
the Lord indeed brings me back to Jerusalem, then I will serve the
Lord.'"
The fond father, comforted with this appearance of piety in his
son, sent him away with his blessing. Absalom planned his
crowning act of hypocrisy not only to blind the king but to secure
the confidence of the people. In this way he would lead them on to
rebellion against the king whom God had chosen.
666