30 So David went up by the Ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he lhad his head covered and went mbarefoot. And all the people who were with him ncovered their heads and went up, oweeping as they went up. 31 Then someone told David, saying, p“Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O Lord, I pray, qturn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”

32 Now it happened when David had come to the top of the mountain, where he worshiped God—there was Hushai the rArchite coming to meet him swith his robe torn and dust on his head. 33 David said to him, “If you go on with me, then you will become ta burden to me. 34 But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, u‘I will be your servant, O king; as I was your father’s servant previously, so I will now also be your servant,’ then you may defeat the counsel of Ahithophel for me. 35 And do you not have Zadok and Abiathar the priests with you there? Therefore it will be that whatever you hear from the king’s house, you shall tell to vZadok and Abiathar the priests. 36 Indeed they have there wwith them their two sons, Ahimaaz, Zadok’s son, and Jonathan, Abiathar’s son; and by them you shall send me everything you hear.”

37 So Hushai, xDavid’s friend, went into the city. yAnd Absalom came into Jerusalem.