While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city Giloh. The conspiracy grew in strength, and the people with Absalom kept increasing.
Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one consulted the oracle of God, so all the counsel of Ahithophel was esteemed both by David and by Absalom.
When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and went off home to his own city. He set his house in order and hanged himself; he died and was buried in the tomb of his father.
“Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is my associate,” says the Lord of hosts. “Strike the shepherd, that the sheep may be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones.