31. Now David had been told, “Ahithophel has sided with the conspirators who are with Absalom. So David prayed, “Make the advice of Ahithophel foolish, O Lord!”
32. When David reached the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Arkite met him with his clothes torn and dirt on his head.
33. David said to him, “If you leave with me you will be a burden to me.
34. But you will be able to counter the advice of Ahithophel if you go back to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king! Previously I was your father’s servant, and now I will be your servant.’
35. Zadok and Abiathar the priests will be there with you. Everything you hear in the king’s palace you must tell Zadok and Abiathar the priests.
36. Furthermore, their two sons are there with them, Zadok’s son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan. You must send them to me with any information you hear.”
37. So David’s friend Hushai arrived in the city, just as Absalom was entering Jerusalem.