2 Samuel 16:20

20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me counsel. What should we do?”

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 “Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by this people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain.

19 Furthermore, whom should I serve if not his son? As I served in your father’s presence, so also I will serve in yours.”

20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me counsel. What should we do?”

21 Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.”

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.