שמואל ב, פרק ט״ו, פסוק א׳

Following a period of estrangement, a reconciliation between father and son sets the stage for a calculated uprising. With his past offenses forgiven by David, Absalom wastes no time in laying the practical groundwork for a rebellion [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. The driving force behind his actions is the realization that David plans to pass the throne to the younger Solomon. Taking advantage of his father's advancing age and declining strength, Absalom resolves to seize control of the leadership while David is still alive, projecting the image and authority of an exalted ruler [אברבנאל].

To solidify his status as the designated crown prince [ביאור שטיינזלץ], Absalom begins acquiring the symbols of royalty. He obtains a riding chariot along with horses [מצודת ציון]. The commentators agree that this public display is a deliberate adoption of royal behavior, meant to signal his power and prepare for his revolt [מלבי״ם]. This is a remarkably bold move. The Torah strictly forbids even legitimate kings of Israel from accumulating excess horses, making Absalom's public display all the more brazen since he does not yet hold the throne [רלב״ג].

Adding to this grand spectacle, Absalom employs fifty men whose specific role is to run on foot ahead of his chariot [מצודת דוד]. These runners undergo extreme physical modifications to maximize their abilities. They have their spleens removed, and the flesh on the soles of their feet is specially cut and hollowed out, enabling them to sprint at astonishing speeds [רש״י].