29. So Zadok and Abiathar took God’s Holy Box back to Jerusalem and stayed there.
30. David walked up the path to the Mount of Olives. He was crying, his head was covered, and he went without sandals on his feet. All the people with David also covered their heads and were crying as they walked with him.
31. Someone told David, “Ahithophel is one who joined in Absalom’s plot against you.” Then David prayed, “Lord, I ask you to make Ahithophel give only foolish advice.”
32. When David got to the top of the mountain, he bowed down to worship God. Then David noticed Hushai the Arkite. Hushai’s coat was torn, and there was dust on his head.
33. David said to Hushai, “If you go with me, you will be just one more person to care for.
34. But if you go back to Jerusalem, you can disagree with Ahithophel and make his advice useless. Tell Absalom, ‘King, I am your servant. I served your father, but now I will serve you.’
35. The priests Zadok and Abiathar will be with you. You must tell them everything you hear in the king’s palace.
36. Zadok’s son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan will be with them. You can send them to tell me everything you hear.”
37. So David’s friend Hushai went back to the city, just as Absalom arrived in Jerusalem.