שמואל ב, פרק ט״ו, פסוק י״ב

The rebellion against King David reaches a dramatic turning point as key figures defect and the masses rally around a new leader. What begins as a local uprising quickly transforms into a severe national threat through strategic recruitment and clever deception.

Central to this shift is the recruitment of Ahithophel, David's most senior advisor. Ahithophel is widely regarded as the wisest man in Israel, a figure whose counsel is treated as absolute law [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Absalom reaches out to him precisely while offering his own sacrifices [מצודת דוד].

The primary approach among commentators suggests that Absalom carefully orchestrates this meeting by summoning Ahithophel from his hometown to Hebron. Absalom is afraid to approach the advisor while still in Jerusalem, fearing that Ahithophel might reject the treasonous offer and immediately expose the plot to David. By waiting until he is safely in Hebron, Absalom secures the alliance on his own terms [רלב״ג, אברבנאל, רד״ק].

However, an alternative perspective views this maneuver differently. Instead of summoning Ahithophel to his side, Absalom sends the advisor into hiding. This calculated move ensures that when David finally uncovers the rebellion and desperately seeks his top counselor's advice, Ahithophel will be nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, the advisor waits in secret, ready to assist Absalom when the time is right [מלבי״ם].

Beyond securing top-tier leadership, Absalom uses sheer trickery to swell his ranks. He obtains written permission from King David to take two men with him on his journey. By repeatedly presenting this same royal document to different pairs of men, he manages to gather two hundred followers. These men join him in complete innocence, fully believing they are carrying out an official mission for the king [אברבנאל].

Through these calculated moves, the conspiracy becomes deeply unified, strong, and stable [מצודת ציון]. The rebel movement gains immense momentum, with people from all across the country continuously flocking to Absalom's camp, swelling his forces by the minute [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].