28. I will stop at the shallows of the Jordan River and wait there for a report from you.”
29. So Zadok and Abiathar took the Ark of God back to the city and stayed there.
30. David walked up the road to the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went. His head was covered and his feet were bare as a sign of mourning. And the people who were with him covered their heads and wept as they climbed the hill.
31. When someone told David that his adviser Ahithophel was now backing Absalom, David prayed, “O lord, let Ahithophel give Absalom foolish advice!”
32. When David reached the summit of the Mount of Olives where people worshiped God, Hushai the Arkite was waiting there for him. Hushai had torn his clothing and put dirt on his head as a sign of mourning.
33. But David told him, “If you go with me, you will only be a burden.
34. Return to Jerusalem and tell Absalom, ‘I will now be your adviser, O king, just as I was your father’s adviser in the past.’ Then you can frustrate and counter Ahithophel’s advice.
35. Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, will be there. Tell them about the plans being made in the king’s palace,
36. and they will send their sons Ahimaaz and Jonathan to tell me what is going on.”
37. So David’s friend Hushai returned to Jerusalem, getting there just as Absalom arrived.