¹⁶ So the king left, and all his household ^[a]with him; but ^(A)the king left ten concubines behind to take care of the house.

²¹ Ahithophel said to Absalom, “^(A)Have relations with your father’s concubines, whom he has left behind to take care of the house; then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself repulsive to your father. The hands of all who are with you will also be strengthened.” ²² So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, ^(B)and Absalom had relations with his father’s concubines ^(C)in the sight of all Israel.