KingRehoboamconsultedwith the elderswhohadservedhis fatherSolomonwhile he was still alive,saying,"Howdo you counsel[me] to answerthispeople?"
Then Absalomsaidto Ahithophel,"Giveyour advice.Whatshall we do?"
Then Absalomsaid,"NowcallHushaithe Architealso,and let us hearwhathe has to say."
"How blessedare your men,how blessedare theseyour servantswho standbeforeyou continually[and] hearyour wisdom.
Now KingSolomonwas kingoverallIsrael.
Thesewere his officials:Azariahthe sonof Zadok[was] the priest;
"Wisdomis with agedmen,[With] longlifeis understanding.
"I thoughtageshould speak,And increasedyearsshould teachwisdom.
Do not forsakeyour own friendor your father'sfriend,And do not goto your brother'shousein the dayof your calamity;Betteris a neighborwho is nearthana brotherfaraway.
Azariahthe sonof Hoshaiah,and Johananthe sonof Kareah,and allthe arrogantmensaidto Jeremiah,"You are tellinga lie!The LORDour Godhas not sentyou to say,'You are not to enterEgyptto residethere';