The Advice of Ahithophel

16:15 Now when Absalom and all the men18 of Israel arrived in Jerusalem,19 Ahithophel was with him. 16:16 When David’s friend Hushai the Arkite came to Absalom, Hushai said to him,20 “Long live the king! Long live the king!”

16:17 Absalom said to Hushai, “Do you call this loyalty to your friend? Why didn’t you go with your friend?” 16:18 Hushai replied to Absalom, “No, I will be loyal to the one whom the Lord, these people, and all the men of Israel have chosen.21 16:19 Moreover, whom should I serve? Should it not be his son? Just as I served your father, so I will serve you.”22

16:20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give us your advice. What should we do?” 16:21 Ahithophel replied to Absalom, “Have sex with23 your father’s concubines whom he left to care for the palace. All Israel will hear that you have made yourself repulsive to your father. Then your followers will be motivated to support you.”24 16:22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof,25 and Absalom had sex with26 his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.

16:23 In those days Ahithophel’s advice was considered as valuable as a prophetic revelation.27 Both David and Absalom highly regarded the advice of Ahithophel.28