1 One day Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Here's what I suggest. Choose 12,000 men. Start out tonight and go after David.
2 Attack him while he's tired and weak. Fill him with terror. Then all of the people who are with him will run away. Don't strike down anyone except the king.
3 Bring all of the other people back. After the man you want to kill is dead, everyone else will return to you. And none of the people will be harmed."
4 Ahithophel's plan seemed good to Absalom. It also seemed good to all of the elders of Israel.
5 But Absalom said, "Send for Hushai, the Arkite. Then we can find out what he suggests."
6 Hushai came to him. Absalom said, "Ahithophel has given us his advice. Should we do what he says? If we shouldn't, tell us what you would do."
7 Hushai replied to Absalom, "The advice Ahithophel has given you isn't good this time.