KJV ORIGINAL
But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father’s servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
But if you go back to the city and tell Absalom, 'I will serve you as king; just as I served your father before, I will now serve you too,' then you can help me by working against Ahithophel's advice.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
David is asking Hushai to pretend to join Absalom's rebellion so he can secretly undermine the enemy's plans from within.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during Absalom's rebellion against his father King David, when David was fleeing Jerusalem. Ahithophel, David's former trusted counselor, had joined Absalom and was giving him strategic advice. David needed someone on the inside to counter Ahithophel's wise counsel that could destroy David's chances of survival.
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