And while he was offering sacrifices, Absalom also sent to the town of Gilo for Ahithophel, who was one of King David's advisers. The plot against the king gained strength, and Absalom's followers grew in number.

Any advice that Ahithophel gave in those days was accepted as though it were the very word of God; both David and Absalom followed it.

When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and went back to his hometown. After putting his affairs in order, he hanged himself. He was buried in the family grave.

When David reached the top of the hill, where there was a place of worship, his trusted friend Hushai the Archite met him with his clothes torn and with dirt on his head.

So Hushai, David's friend, returned to the city just as Absalom was arriving.

When Hushai, David's trusted friend, met Absalom, he shouted, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"

"What has happened to your loyalty to your friend David?" Absalom asked him. "Why didn't you go with him?"

But it is you, my companion, my colleague and close friend.

The LORD Almighty says, "Wake up, sword, and attack the shepherd who works for me! Kill him, and the sheep will be scattered. I will attack my people