11
David then said to Avishai and all his servants, "Look, my own son, who came from my own body, seeks my life. So how much more now this Binyamini! Let him alone; and let him curse, if ADONAI told him to.
12
Maybe ADONAI will notice how I'm treating him, and ADONAI will reward me with good instead of his curses."
13
So David and his men went on their way, while on the opposite hillside Shim'i kept pace with him, cursing, throwing stones and flinging dust as he went.
14
The king and all the people with him arrived exhausted, so he rested there.
15
Meanwhile Avshalom and all the people, the men of Isra'el, came to Yerushalayim; Achitofel was with him.
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."