1. Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose 12,000 men, and I will set out in pursuit of David tonight.
2. I will attack him while he is weak and weary, throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will scatter. I will strike down only the king
3. and bring all the people back to you. When everyone returns except the man you’re seeking, all the people will be at peace.”
4. This proposal seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel.
5. Then Absalom said, “Summon Hushai the Archite also. Let’s hear what he has to say as well.”
6. So Hushai came to Absalom, and Absalom told him: “Ahithophel offered this proposal. Should we carry out his proposal? If not, what do you say? ”
7. Hushai replied to Absalom, “The advice Ahithophel has given this time is not good.”
8. Hushai continued, “You know your father and his men. They are warriors and are desperate like a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Your father is an experienced soldier who won’t spend the night with the people.
9. He’s probably already hiding in one of the caves or some other place. If some of our troops fall first, someone is sure to hear and say, ‘There’s been a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.’
10. Then, even a brave man with the heart of a lion will melt because all Israel knows that your father and the valiant men with him are warriors.