2 Samuel 16:15-23

Meanwhile, Absalom, Ahithophel, and all the Israelites arrived at Jerusalem. David’s friend Hushai the Arkite came to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” Absalom asked, “Why are you not loyal to your friend David? Why didn’t you leave Jerusalem with your friend?” Hushai said, “I belong to the one chosen by the LORD and by these people and everyone in Israel. I will stay with you. In the past I served your father. So whom should I serve now? David’s son! I will serve you as I served him.” Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Tell us what we should do.” Ahithophel said, “Your father left behind some of his slave women to take care of the palace. Have sexual relations with them. Then all Israel will hear that your father is your enemy, and all your people will be encouraged to give you more support.” So they put up a tent for Absalom on the roof of the palace where everyone in Israel could see it. And Absalom had sexual relations with his father’s slave women. At that time people thought Ahithophel’s advice was as reliable as God’s own word. Both David and Absalom thought it was that reliable.