Fomented by the artful insinuations of the prince, discontent with the government was fast spreading. The praise of Absalom was on the lips of all. He was generally regarded as heir to the kingdom; the people looked upon him with pride as worthy of this high station, and a desire was kindled that he might occupy the throne. "So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel." Yet the king, blinded by affection for his son, suspected nothing. The princely state which Absalom had assumed, was regarded by David as intended to do honor to his court--as an expression of joy at the reconciliation.

Prinsens listige insinuationer gav utilfredsheden med regeringen rig næring Alle var fulde af lovord om Absalom. Han blev betragtet som tronarving, folket var stolt af ham og anså ham for at være fuldt ud værdig til denne høje stilling, og efterhånden opstod et stærkt ønske om, at han blev konge. "Og Absalom stjal Israels mænds hjerte." Kongen nærede blind kærlighed til sin søn og anede ikke uråd. Han troede, at Absalom optrådte så fyrsteligt for at kaste glans over hoffet og betragtede det som et udtryk for hans glæde over, at han var blevet forsonet med sin fader.