16. and it cometh to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, hath come unto Absalom, that Hushai saith unto Absalom, `Let the king live! let the king live!'
17. And Absalom saith unto Hushai, `This thy kindness with thy friend! why hast thou not gone with thy friend?'
18. And Hushai saith unto Absalom, `Nay, for he whom Jehovah hath chosen, and this people, even all the men of Israel, his I am, and with him I abide;
19. and secondly, for whom do I labour? is it not before his son? as I served before thy father so am I before thee.'
20. And Absalom saith unto Ahithophel, `Give for you counsel what we do.'
21. And Ahithophel saith unto Absalom, `Go in unto the concubines of thy father, whom he left to keep the house, and all Israel hath heard that thou hast been abhorred by thy father, and the hands of all who [are] with thee have been strong.'