10. But the king said, “What have I to do with you, sons of Zeruiah? If he curses, it’s because Adonai has said to him, ‘Curse David!’ So who should say, ‘Why did you do so?’”
11. Then David said to Abishai and to all his officials, “Look, my son who came from my own body is seeking my life—how much more this Benjamite? Leave him alone and let him curse, since Adonai has told him.
12. Perhaps Adonai will look on my affliction and return good to me for his cursing this day.”
13. So David and his men continued on the way, while Shimei kept walking alongside the hill parallel with him, cursing as he walked, casting stones at him and throwing dirt.
14. Finally the king and all the people that were with him arrived weary, so he refreshed himself there.
15. Meanwhile Absalom and all the people of the men of Israel arrived in Jerusalem. Ahithophel was with him.
16. Now when David’s friend Hushai the Archite came to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”
17. But Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”
18. “No!” said Hushai to Absalom. “For the one whom Adonai has chosen—as well as these people, all the men of Israel—his I will be and with him I will stay.
19. Besides, whom should I serve? Shouldn’t I be in the presence of his son? As I have served in your father’s presence, so I will be in your presence.”
20. Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your counsel. What should we do?”
21. So Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go to your father’s concubines whom he has left to take care of the palace. Then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself abhorrent to your father and the hands of all who are with you will also be strengthened.”