15. In the meantime Absalom, with all the Israelites, entered Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him.
16. When David’s friend Hushai the Archite came to Absalom, he said to him: “Long live the king! Long live the king!”
17. But Absalom asked Hushai: “Is this your devotion to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?”
18. Hushai replied to Absalom: “On the contrary, I am his whom the Lord and all this people and all Israel have chosen, and with him I will stay.
19. Furthermore, as I was in attendance upon your father, so will I be before you. Whom should I serve, if not his son?”
20. Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Offer your counsel on what we should do.”
21. Ahithophel replied to Absalom: “Go to your father’s concubines, whom he left behind to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears how odious you have made yourself to your father, all those on your side will take courage.”