17:1 Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me pick out twelve thousand men. Then I will go and pursue David this very night. 17:2 When I catch up with 1 him he will be exhausted and worn out. 2 I will rout him, and the entire army that is with him will flee. I will kill only the king 17:3 and will bring the entire army back to you. In exchange for the life of the man you are seeking, you will get back everyone. 3 The entire army will return unharmed.” 4
17:4 This seemed like a good idea to Absalom and to all the leaders 5 of Israel. 17:5 But Absalom said, “Call for 6 Hushai the Arkite, and let’s hear what he has to say.” 7 17:6 So Hushai came to Absalom. Absalom said to him, “Here is what Ahithophel has advised. Should we follow his advice? If not, what would you recommend?”
17:7 Hushai replied to Absalom, “Ahithophel’s advice is not sound this time.” 8 17:8 Hushai went on to say, “You know your father and his men – they are soldiers and are as dangerous as a bear out in the wild that has been robbed of her cubs. 9 Your father is an experienced soldier; he will not stay overnight with the army.