11. Two hundred men from Jerusalem had accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and went quite innocently, knowing nothing about the matter.
12. While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he also sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from Giloh, his hometown. And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept on increasing.
13. A messenger came and told David, “The hearts of the people of Israel are with Absalom.”
14. Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, “Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin on us and put the city to the sword.”
15. The king’s officials answered him, “Your servants are ready to do whatever our lord the king chooses.”
16. The king set out, with his entire household following him; but he left ten concubines to take care of the palace.