And in this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the
king for judgment
Told them there was none to be had, wished that he was in office to administer it to them, and behaved in the above loving manner towards them:
so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel;
got the affections of the people in a private and clandestine manner, and robbed the king of them, who had the best right unto them.