16
Hushai the Arki, David's friend, came to Avshalom and said to him, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"
17
Avshalom asked Hushai, "Is this how you show kindness to your friend? Why didn't you go with your friend?"
18
Hushai replied, "No, but whomever ADONAI and this people and all the men of Isra'el choose, his I will be; and with him I will stay.
19
Moreover, whom should I serve? Shouldn't I serve in the presence of his son? Just as I have served in your father's presence, so will I be in your presence."
20
Avshalom said to Achitofel, "Give your advice as to what we should do."
21
Achitofel answered Avshalom, "Go in, and sleep with your father's concubines, the ones he left to take care of the palace. All Isra'el will hear that your father utterly despises you, and this will strengthen the position of all those who are on your side."
22
So they set up a tent for Avshalom on the roof of the palace; and Avshalom went in to sleep with his father's concubines in the sight of all Isra'el.
23
In those days Achitofel's advice was regarded as highly as if someone had sought out the word of God; it was this way with Achitofel's advice both to David and to Avshalom.