1. Now Ahithophel urged Absalom, “Let me choose 12,000 men to start out after David tonight.
2. I will catch up with him while he is weary and discouraged. He and his troops will panic, and everyone will run away. Then I will kill only the king,
3. and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride returns to her husband. After all, it is only one man’s life that you seek. Then you will be at peace with all the people.”
4. This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.
5. But then Absalom said, “Bring in Hushai the Arkite. Let’s see what he thinks about this.”
6. When Hushai arrived, Absalom told him what Ahithophel had said. Then he asked, “What is your opinion? Should we follow Ahithophel’s advice? If not, what do you suggest?”