10. But the king answered, “This does not concern you, sons of Zeruiah! If he is cursing me because the Lord told him to, who can question him?”
11. David also said to Abishai and all his officers, “My own son is trying to kill me! This man is a Benjaminite and has more right to kill me! Leave him alone. Let him curse me. The Lord told him to do this.
12. Maybe the Lord will see my misery. Then maybe he will repay me with something good for the curses Shimei says today!”
13. So David and his men went on down the road. But Shimei kept following David. Shimei walked on the hillside on the other side of the road. He kept cursing David and throwing stones and dirt at him.
14. The king and all his people arrived at the Jordan. They were very tired. So they rested there.
15. Meanwhile, Absalom, Ahithophel and all the men of Israel arrived at Jerusalem.
16. David’s friend Hushai the Arkite came to Absalom. He said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”
17. Absalom asked, “Why are you not loyal to your friend David? Why didn’t you leave Jerusalem with your friend?”
18. Hushai said, “I belong to the one chosen by the Lord and by these people and all the men of Israel. I will stay with you.
19. In the past I served your father. So whom should I serve now? David’s son! I will serve you.”
20. Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Please tell us what we should do.”
21. Ahithophel said, “Your father left behind some of his slave women who give birth to his children. He left them here to take care of the palace. Have physical relations with them. Then all the Israelites will hear that your father is your enemy. And all your people will be encouraged to give you more support.”