1
Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Now let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight.
2
I will come upon him while he is weary and weak, and make him afraid. And all the people who are with him will flee, and I will strike only the king.
3
Then I will bring back all the people to you. When all return except the man whom you seek, all the people will be at peace."
4
And the saying pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel.
5
Then Absalom said, "Now call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear what he says too."
6
And when Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him, saying, "Ahithophel has spoken in this manner. Shall we do as he says? If not, speak up."
7
So Hushai said to Absalom: "The advice that Ahithophel has given is not good at this time.
8
For," said Hushai, "you know your father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are enraged in their minds, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field; and your father is a man of war, and will not camp with the people.