Second Samuel 15:1—19:8a is concerned with Absalom's revolt.
Absalom prepared to rebel by preparing for himself a chariot and horses and fifty men to run before him (15:1).
Verses 2 through 6 describe how Absalom stole the hearts of the people of Israel.
Absalom conspired and revolted to be the king in Hebron (vv. 7-12). Absalom asked David the king to let him go to Hebron to pay a vow which he had vowed to Jehovah, and the king told him to go in peace (vv. 7-9). Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, "When you hear the sound of the trumpet, you shall say, Absalom is king in Hebron" (v. 10). The conspiracy gained strength, and the people who were with Absalom increased continually (v. 12).
Verses 13 through 23 tell us that David with his servants fled to escape from Absalom.
David the king and all the people went forth, but he left ten concubines to keep the house (v. 16).
When the king went forth, all the people followed him, passing over toward the way of the wilderness (vv. 17-23).