Study Desk

^(C1)Then Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, entered Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.

Now it came about, when ^(C1)Hushai the Archite, David's friend, came to Absalom, that ^(C2)Hushai said to Absalom, "^(C3)Long live the king! Long live the king!"

But Absalom said to Hushai, "Is this your ^(F1)loyalty to your friend? ^(C1)Why did you not go with your friend?"

So Hushai said to Absalom, "No! For whomever the LORD, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I shall be, and with him I shall remain.

"Besides, ^(C1)whom should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son? Just as I have served in your father's presence, so I shall be in your presence."

Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, "Give your advice. What should we do?"

Ahithophel said to Absalom, "^(C1)Have relations with your father's concubines, whom he has left behind to take care of the house; then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself repulsive to your father. The hands of all who are with you will also be strengthened."

So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, ^(C1)and Absalom had relations with his father's concubines ^(C2)in the sight of all Israel.

Now ^(C1)the advice of Ahithophel, which he ^(F1)gave in those days, was taken as though one inquired of the word of God; ^(C2)so was all the advice of Ahithophel regarded by both David and Absalom.