1. One day Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Here's what I suggest. Choose 12,000 men. Start out tonight and go after David.
2. Attack him while he's tired and weak. Fill him with terror. Then all of the people who are with him will run away. Don't strike down anyone except the king.
3. Bring all of the other people back. After the man you want to kill is dead, everyone else will return to you. And none of the people will be harmed."
4. Ahithophel's plan seemed good to Absalom. It also seemed good to all of the elders of Israel.
5. But Absalom said, "Send for Hushai, the Arkite. Then we can find out what he suggests."