2 Samuel 15:24-36

24Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, were with them. The Levites were also there, and they were carrying God's Covenant Box. They put it down on the ground while all the people left the city. After all the people had passed, they picked it up again.

25Then the king said to Zadok, ‘Take the Covenant Box back into the city. If the Lord is pleased with me, he will bring me back here again. The Lord will let me see the Covenant Box again, as well as his home.

26But if he is not pleased with me, then he must do to me whatever he decides is right.’

27Then the king said to Zadok the priest, ‘You do not know what will happen. So go safely back into the city, both you and Abiathar. Take your son Ahimaaz and Abiathar's son Jonathan with you.

28I will wait at the place in the desert where we go across the river. I will wait there until I receive a message from you.’

29So Zadok and Abiathar took the Covenant Box back into Jerusalem. They stayed there.

30But David continued to go up the Mount of Olives. He was weeping as he went. He had covered his head and he was not wearing any shoes on his feet. All the people with him also covered their heads and they wept as they went up the hill.

31Someone told David that his advisor, Ahithophel, had now joined with Absalom and his men. So David prayed, ‘Lord, please cause Ahithophel to give them foolish advice.’

32David arrived at the top of the hill. It was a place where people worshipped God. Hushai, who was an Arkite, met him there. He had torn his clothes and he had dirt on his head.

33David said, ‘If you come with me, you will be no help to me.

34Instead, go back into the city. You should say to Absalom, “I accept you as king and I will be your servant. I was once your father's servant, but now I will be your servant.” Then you will be able to speak against Ahithophel's advice.

35The priests, Zadok and Abiathar, will be there with you. Tell them any news that you hear in the king's palace.

36Their two sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan, are with them. Send them to me to tell me any news that you hear.’