But Absalom sent spies through all the family groups of Israel. These spies told the people, “When you hear the trumpet, then say, ‘Absalom has become the king at Hebron!’”
They entered the country through the Negev [172] and went to Hebron. (The town of Hebron was built seven years before the town of Zoan in Egypt.) Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai lived there. These men were descendants [173] of Anak.
And don’t make the Holy Spirit {\cf2\super [36]} sad. The Spirit is God’s proof that you belong to God. God gave you that Spirit to show that God will make you free at the right time.
When that happens, then you must be sure to choose the king that the Lord chooses. The king over you must be one of your own people. You must not make a foreigner your king.
“Ask the leaders of the city of Shechem this question: ‘Is it better for you to be ruled by the 70 sons of Jerub Baal, or to be ruled by only one man? Remember, I am your relative.’”