29. So Zadok and Abiathar took the Ark of the Covenant of God back to Jerusalem and stayed there.
30. David went up the Mount of Olives crying as he went. He covered his head and went barefoot. All the people with David covered their heads also. And they were crying as they went.
31. Someone told David, “Ahithophel is one of the people with Absalom who made secret plans against you.”So David prayed, “Lord, please make Ahithophel’s advice foolish.”
32. David came to the top of the mountain. This was where he used to worship God. Hushai the Arkite came to meet him. Hushai’s coat was torn, and there was dirt on his head to show how sad he was.
33. David said to Hushai, “If you go with me, you will be just one more person to take care of.
34. But if you return to the city, you can make Ahithophel’s advice useless. Tell Absalom, ‘I am your servant, my king. In the past I served your father. But now I will serve you.’
35. The priests Zadok and Abiathar will be with you. You must tell them everything you hear in the king’s palace.
36. Zadok’s son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan are with them. Send them to tell me everything you hear.”
37. So David’s friend Hushai entered Jerusalem. About that time, Absalom also arrived there.