^{16 Ref} And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king.

^{17 Ref} And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?

^{18 Ref} And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.

^{19 Ref} And again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence.