10
But the king said, "What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? So let him curse, because the Lord has said to him, 'Curse David.' Who then shall say, 'Why have you done so?' "
11
And David said to Abishai and all his servants, "See how my son who came from my own body seeks my life. How much more now may this Benjamite? Let him alone, and let him curse; for so the Lord has ordered him.
12
It may be that the Lord will look on my affliction, and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing this day."
13
And as David and his men went along the road, Shimei went along the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went, threw stones at him and kicked up dust.
14
Now the king and all the people who were with him became weary; so they refreshed themselves there.
15
Meanwhile Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem; and Ahithophel was with him.
16
And so it was, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, came to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"
17
So Absalom said to Hushai, "Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?"
18
And Hushai said to Absalom, "No, but whom the Lord and this people and all the men of Israel choose, his I will be, and with him I will remain.
19
Furthermore, whom should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son? As I have served in your father's presence, so will I be in your presence."
20
Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, "Give counsel as to what we should do."