23. The people of Jerusalem were crying and moaning as David and everyone with him passed by. He led them across Kidron Valley and along the road towards the desert.
24. Zadok and Abiathar the priests were there along with several men from the tribe of Levi who were carrying the sacred chest. They set the chest down, and left it there until David and his followers had gone out of the city.
25. Then David said:Zadok, take the sacred chest back to Jerusalem. If the Lord is pleased with me, he will bring me back and let me see it and his tent again.
26. But if he says he isn't pleased with me, then let him do what he knows is best.
27. Zadok, you are a good judge of things, so return to the city and don't cause any trouble. Take your son Ahimaaz with you. Abiathar and his son Jonathan will also go back.
28. I'll wait at the river crossing in the desert until I hear from you.
29. Zadok and Abiathar took the sacred chest back into Jerusalem and stayed there.
30. David went on up the slope of the Mount of Olives. He was barefoot and crying, and he covered his head to show his sorrow. Everyone with him was crying, and they covered their heads too.
31. Someone told David, “Ahithophel is helping Absalom plot against you!”David said, “Please, Lord, keep Ahithophel's plans from working!”
32. When David reached the top of the Mount of Olives, he met Hushai the Archite at a place of worship. Hushai's robe was torn, and dust was on his head.
33. David told him:If you come with me, you might slow us down.