1. Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose 12,000 men. I’ll chase David tonight.
2. I’ll catch him while he is tired and weak. I’ll frighten him so all his people will run away. But I’ll kill only King David.
3. Then I’ll bring everyone back to you. If the man you are looking for is dead, everyone else will return safely.”
4. This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the leaders of Israel.
5. But Absalom said, “Now call Hushai the Arkite. I also want to hear what he says.”
6. So Hushai came to Absalom. Absalom said to him, “This is the plan Ahithophel gave. Should we follow it? If not, tell us.”
7. Hushai said to Absalom, “Ahithophel’s advice is not good this time.”
8. Hushai added, “You know your father and his men are strong. They are as angry as a bear that is robbed of its babies. Your father is a skilled fighter. He won’t stay all night with the people.