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.”
22. So they put up a tent for Absalom on the flat roof of the palace. Everyone in Israel could see it. And Absalom had physical relations with his father’s slave women.
23. At that time people thought Ahithophel’s advice was as reliable as God’s own word. Both David and Absalom thought it was that reliable.