12. Perhaps the Lord will notice my misery and give me some blessings to take the place of his curse.”
13. So David and his men continued along the road. Shimei kept up with them, walking on the hillside; he was cursing and throwing stones and earth at them as he went.
14. The king and all his men were worn out when they reached the Jordan, and there they rested.
15. Absalom and all the Israelites with him entered Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with them.
16. When Hushai, David's trusted friend, met Absalom, he shouted, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”
17. “What has happened to your loyalty to your friend David?” Absalom asked him. “Why didn't you go with him?”
18. Hushai answered, “How could I? I am on the side of the one chosen by the Lord, by these people, and by all the Israelites. I will stay with you.
19. After all, whom should I serve, if not my master's son? As I served your father, so now I will serve you.”
20. Then Absalom turned to Ahithophel and said, “Now that we are here, what do you advise us to do?”
21. Ahithophel answered, “Go and have intercourse with your father's concubines whom he left behind to take care of the palace. Then everyone in Israel will know that your father regards you as his enemy, and your followers will be greatly encouraged.”
22. So they set up a tent for Absalom on the palace roof, and in the sight of everyone Absalom went in and had intercourse with his father's concubines.