26. But if he is through with me, then let him do what seems best to him.”
27. The king also told Zadok the priest, “Look, here is my plan. You and Abiathar should return quietly to the city with your son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan.
28. I will stop at the shallows of the Jordan River and wait there for a report from you.”
29. So Zadok and Abiathar took the Ark of God back to the city and stayed there.
30. David walked up the road to the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went. His head was covered and his feet were bare as a sign of mourning. And the people who were with him covered their heads and wept as they climbed the hill.
31. When someone told David that his adviser Ahithophel was now backing Absalom, David prayed, “O lord, let Ahithophel give Absalom foolish advice!”
32. When David reached the summit of the Mount of Olives where people worshiped God, Hushai the Arkite was waiting there for him. Hushai had torn his clothing and put dirt on his head as a sign of mourning.
33. But David told him, “If you go with me, you will only be a burden.