Hushai Helps David

Absalom came into Jerusalem with the men of Israel, and Ahithophel was with him. Hushai, David’s friend, met Absalom and greeted him as king. When Absalom challenged him, Hushai answered carefully that he would serve the one the Lord, the people, and the men of Israel had chosen.

Absalom asked Ahithophel what he should do. Ahithophel told him to go in to David’s concubines whom David had left to keep the house, so all Israel would see the break between father and son and Absalom’s supporters would be strengthened. Absalom did this publicly. Ahithophel’s counsel was highly regarded in those days.

Next Ahithophel urged Absalom to let him choose twelve thousand men and chase David that very night. He planned to strike when David was weary, scatter the people with him, and kill only the king. Absalom and the elders liked the plan, but Absalom also asked Hushai for his advice.

Hushai said Ahithophel’s advice was not good this time. He warned that David and his men were fierce, experienced fighters and hard to catch. Instead, Hushai urged Absalom to gather all Israel and lead a large attack himself. Absalom and all the men of Israel chose Hushai’s counsel. The passage says the Lord had ordained this so disaster would come on Absalom.

Then Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar the priests what had happened and urged them to warn David quickly not to stay at the fords in the wilderness, but to pass over. A female servant carried the message to Jonathan and Ahimaaz. When a boy saw them, they hid in a well at a man’s house in Bahurim, and a woman covered the well so they were not found.

After the searchers left, the two messengers came up and warned David. So David and all the people with him crossed the Jordan before morning. When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he went home, set his house in order, and took his own life. David came to Mahanaim, while Absalom crossed the Jordan and camped in Gilead. There, friends brought food and supplies because David’s people were hungry, weary, and thirsty.