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.”