1. Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose 12,000 men and leave tonight to go after David.
2. I’ll attack him while he’s tired and weak, and I’ll cause him to panic. All the people with him will flee, but I’ll kill only him.
3. I’ll return all the people to you as a bride is returned to her husband. Since you will be seeking the life of only one man, all the people will have peace.”
4. Absalom and all the leaders of Israel approved this plan.
5. Absalom said, “Please call Hushai, who is descended from Archi’s family, and let us hear what he, too, has to say.”
6. When Hushai arrived, Absalom said to him, “Ahithophel has told us his plan. Should we do what he says? If not, tell us.”
7. “This time Ahithophel’s advice is no good,” Hushai said to Absalom.
8. “You know your father and his men. They are warriors as fierce as a wild bear whose cubs have been stolen. Your father is an experienced soldier. He will not camp with the troops tonight.