11. Two hundred men went with Absalom out of Jerusalem, who were invited, and went in their simplicity; and they didn’t know anything.
12. Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he was offering the sacrifices. The conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
13. A messenger came to David, saying, “The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.”
14. David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, “Arise! Let’s flee; or else none of us will escape from Absalom. Hurry to depart, lest he overtake us quickly, and bring down evil on us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.”
15. The king’s servants said to the king, “Behold, your servants are ready to do whatever my lord the king chooses.”
16. The king went out, and all his household after him. The king left ten women, who were concubines, to keep the house.
17. The king went out, and all the people after him; and they stayed in Beth Merhak.
18. All his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men who came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.