The Advice of Ahithophel and Hushai

15 Meanwhile, Absalomw and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophelx was with him. 16 Then Hushaiy the Arkite, David’s confidant, went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”

17 Absalom said to Hushai, “So this is the love you show your friend? If he’s your friend, why didn’t you go with him?”z

18 Hushai said to Absalom, “No, the one chosen by the Lord, by these people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and I will remain with him. 19 Furthermore, whom should I serve? Should I not serve the son? Just as I served your father, so I will serve you.”a

20 Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give us your advice. What should we do?”

21 Ahithophel answered, “Sleep with your father’s concubines whom he left to take care of the palace. Then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself obnoxious to your father, and the hands of everyone with you will be more resolute.” 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.b

23 Now in those days the advicec Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both Davidd and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel’s advice.

17 Ahithophel said to Absalom, “I woulda choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. 2 I would attack him while he is weary and weak.e I would strike him with terror, and then all the people with him will flee. I would strike down only the kingf 3 and bring all the people back to you. The death of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be unharmed.” 4 This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.