¹⁴ Since the Lord had decreed^(A) that Ahithophel’s good advice be undermined^(B) in order to bring about Absalom’s ruin, Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than Ahithophel’s advice.”

David Informed of Absalom’s Plans

¹⁵ Hushai then told the priests Zadok and Abiathar, “This is what^[a] Ahithophel advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and this is what^[b] I advised. ¹⁶ Now send someone quickly and tell David, ‘Don’t spend the night at the wilderness ford,^[c] but be sure to cross over the Jordan,^[d](C) or the king and all the people with him will be devoured.’”