1 Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose 12,000 men. I’ll chase David tonight. 2 I’ll catch him while he is tired and weak. I’ll frighten him so all his people will run away. But I’ll kill only King David. 3 Then I’ll bring everyone back to you. If the man you are looking for is dead, everyone else will return safely.” 4 This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the leaders of Israel.

5 But Absalom said, “Now call Hushai the Arkite. I also want to hear what he says.” 6 So Hushai came to Absalom. Absalom said to him, “This is the plan Ahithophel gave. Should we follow it? If not, tell us.”

7 Hushai said to Absalom, “Ahithophel’s advice is not good this time.” 8 Hushai added, “You know your father and his men are strong. They are as angry as a bear that is robbed of its babies. Your father is a skilled fighter. He won’t stay all night with the people. 9 He is probably already hiding in a cave or some other place. If your father attacks your men first, people will hear the news. And they will think, ‘Absalom’s followers are losing!’ 10 Then even the men who are as brave as a lion will become frightened. This is because all the Israelites know your father is a fighter. They know his men are brave!

11 “This is what I suggest: Gather all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba. There will be as many people as grains of sand by the sea. Then you yourself must go into the battle. 12 We will catch David where he is hiding. We will fall on him as dew falls on the ground. We will kill him and all of his men. No one will be left alive. 13 What if David escapes into a city? Then all the Israelites will bring ropes to that city. We’ll pull that city into the valley. There won’t be even a small stone left there!”

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