¹⁶ Then the king set out, and his entire household followed him. But he left behind ten concubines to take care of the palace.

²¹ Ahithophel replied to Absalom, ‘Sleep with your father’s concubines whom he left to take care of the palace.^(A) When all Israel hears that you have become repulsive to your father, everyone with you will be encouraged.’^{[a] 22} So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.^(B)