2 Samuel 16:20

20 Then Absalom turned to Ahithophel and asked him, “What should I do next?”

2 Samuel 16:20 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 16:20

Then said Absalom to Ahithophel
Having two such able counsellors as he and Hushai, he directs his speech to Ahithophel, as being his first and chief counsellor:

give counsel among you what we shall do;
he orders them to form a counsel, consult among themselves what was proper to be now done at Jerusalem, whether it was right to stay here or pursue after David and his men. Absalom did not send to the high priest to ask counsel of God, by Urim and Thummim before the ark, but wholly confided in his privy council.

2 Samuel 16:20 In-Context

18 “I’m here because I belong to the man who is chosen by the LORD and by all the men of Israel,” Hushai replied.

19 “And anyway, why shouldn’t I serve you? Just as I was your father’s adviser, now I will be your adviser!”

20 Then Absalom turned to Ahithophel and asked him, “What should I do next?”

21 Ahithophel told him, “Go and sleep with your father’s concubines, for he has left them here to look after the palace. Then all Israel will know that you have insulted your father beyond hope of reconciliation, and they will throw their support to you.”

22 So they set up a tent on the palace roof where everyone could see it, and Absalom went in and had sex with his father’s concubines.