¹² Absalom also sent for Ahithophel^[a] the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come^[b] from his home town of Giloh while Absalom^[c] was presenting the sacrificial offerings. And so the conspiracy widened, because the common people increasingly sided with Absalom.

²¹ Ahithophel responded, “Go inside and have sex with your father’s mistresses^[a], whom he left to keep the palace in order. Then everyone in Israel will hear how your father has come to hate you and everyone who has joined you will be emboldened to act.”