2 Samuel 16:13-23

13 And David and his men with him went by the way. And Semei by the hill’s side went over against him, cursing, and casting stones at him, and scattering earth.
14 And the king and all the people with him came weary, and refreshed themselves there.
15 But Absalom and all his people came into Jerusalem, and Achitophel was with him.
16 And when Chusai the Arachite, David’s friend, was come to Absalom, he said to him: God save thee, O king, God save thee, O king.
17 And Absalom said to him, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? Why wentest thou not with thy friend?
18 And Chusai answered Absalom: Nay: for I will be his, whom the Lord hath chosen, and all this people, and all Israel, and with him will I abide.
19 Besides this, whom shall I serve? is it not the king’s son? as I have served thy father, so will I serve thee also.
20 And Absalom said to Achitophel: Consult what we are to do.
21 And Achitophel said to Absalom: Go in to the concubines of thy father, whom he hath left to keep the house: that when all Israel shall hear that thou hast disgraced thy father, their hands may be strengthened with thee.
22 So they spread a tent for Absalom on the top of the house, and he went in to his father’s concubines before all Israel.
23 Now the counsel of Achitophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man should consult God: so was all the counsel of Achitophel, both when he was with David, and when he was with Absalom.

2 Samuel 16:13-23 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO SECOND SAMUEL 16

In this chapter is an account of Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, getting his inheritance by misrepresentation of him, and by presents to David, 2Sa 16:1-4; and of Shimei's cursing David as he passed along, which David bore patiently, and would not suffer others to avenge it on him, 2Sa 16:5-14; and of Hushai's offer of his service to Absalom, who admitted him to be of his privy council, 2Sa 16:15-19; and of the counsel which Ahithophel gave, 2Sa 15:20-23.

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