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. When David reached the top of the mountain where people 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 for me 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. Tell them everything you hear in the royal 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 just as Absalom arrived.