²⁸ I will stop at the shallows of the Jordan River^[a] and wait there for a report from you.”

¹⁶ “Quick!” he told them. “Find David and urge him not to stay at the shallows of the Jordan River^[a] tonight. He must go across at once into the wilderness beyond. Otherwise he will die and his entire army with him.”

²³ Everyone cried loudly as the king and his followers passed by. They crossed the Kidron Valley and then went out toward the wilderness.

17 Now Ahithophel urged Absalom, “Let me choose 12,000 men to start out after David tonight.

² “What are these for?” the king asked Ziba.

Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s people to ride on, and the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat. The wine is for those who become exhausted in the wilderness.”