Ahithophel was the king’s adviser; Hushai the Arkite was the king’s confidant.

The southern border extended from Bethel to Luz, and crossed to Arkite territory at Ataroth.

But Absalom said, “Call for Hushai the Arkite, and let’s hear what he has to say.”

When David reached the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Arkite met him with his clothes torn and dirt on his head.

When David’s friend Hushai the Arkite came to Absalom, Hushai said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”

Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Arkite sounds better than the advice of Ahithophel.” Now the Lord had decided to frustrate the sound advice of Ahithophel, so that the Lord could bring disaster on Absalom.