16 ¹⁵ By now Absalom and all his Israelites had reached Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him. 16 ¹⁶ When Hushai the Archite. David's friend, met Absalom he said to him, 'Long live the king! Long live the king!' 16 ¹⁷ But Absalom retorted, 'Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with him?' 16 ¹⁸ Hushai answered Absalom, 'Because I mean to attach myself to the man chosen by the LORD, by this people, and by all the men of Israel, and with him I will remain. 16 ¹⁹ After all, whom ought I to serve? Should I not serve the son? I will serve you as I have served your father.'

16 ²⁰ Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, 'Give us your advice: how shall we act?' 16 ²¹ Ahithophel answered, 'Have intercourse with your father's concubines whom he left in charge of the palace. Then all Israel will come to hear that you have given great cause of offence to your father, and this will confirm the resolution of your followers.' 16 ²² So they set up a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he lay with his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel. 16 ²³ In those days a man would seek counsel of Ahithophel as readily as he might make an inquiry of the word of God; that was how Ahithophel's counsel was esteemed by David and Absalom.