2 Samuel 16:16-23

16 When Hushai, David's trusted friend, met Absalom, he shouted, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"

17 "What has happened to your loyalty to your friend David?" Absalom asked him. "Why didn't you go with him?"

18 Hushai answered, "How could I? I am for the one chosen by the Lord, by these people, and by all the Israelites. I will stay with you.

19 After all, whom should I serve, if not my master's son? As I served your father, so now I will serve you."

20 Then Absalom turned to Ahithophel and said, "Now that we are here, what do you advise us to do?"

21 Ahithophel answered, "Go and have intercourse with your father's concubines whom he left behind to take care of the palace. Then everyone in Israel will know that your father regards you as his enemy, and your followers will be greatly encouraged."

22 So they set up a tent for Absalom on the palace roof, and in the sight of everyone Absalom went in and had intercourse with his father's concubines. ¹

23 Any advice that Ahithophel gave in those days was accepted as though it were the very word of God; both David and Absalom followed it.

2 Samuel 16:16-23 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.

Cross References

• 1. 16.22 2 Samuel 12.11, 12.