2 Samuel 16:15-19

New International Version

The Advice of Ahithophel and Hushai

¹⁵ Meanwhile, Absalom^(A) and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel^(B) was with him. ¹⁶ Then Hushai^(C) the Arkite, David’s confidant, went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”

¹⁷ Absalom said to Hushai, “So this is the love you show your friend? If he’s your friend, why didn’t you go with him?”^(D)

¹⁸ Hushai said to Absalom, “No, the one chosen by the Lord, by these people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and I will remain with him. ¹⁹ Furthermore, whom should I serve? Should I not serve the son? Just as I served your father, so I will serve you.”^(E)