16. When Hushai, David's trusted friend, met Absalom, he shouted, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”
17. “What has happened to your loyalty to your friend David?” Absalom asked him. “Why didn't you go with him?”
18. Hushai answered, “How could I? I am on the side of the one chosen by the Lord, by these people, and by all the Israelites. I will stay with you.