1. Then Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me pick twelve thousand men, and I will go after David tonight.
2. I will attack him while he is tired and weak, and I will throw him into a panic. All the troops with him will run off. I promise to kill the king alone,
3. and I will bring all the people back to you like a bride comes back to her husband. It’s only one man’s life you are seeking; everyone else can be at peace."
4. This plan seemed excellent to Absalom and the Israelite elders.
5. But Absalom said, "Call Hushai from Erek. Let’s hear what he has to say as well."
6. When Hushai from Erek arrived, Absalom said to him, "This is what Ahithophel has advised. Should we follow it or not? What do you say?"
7. Hushai said to Absalom, "This time, the advice Ahithophel has given isn’t right.
8. You know that your father and his men are warriors," he continued, "and they are as desperate as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Your father is a seasoned fighter. He won’t spend the night with his troops.