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© Ingeborg and Dr. Wolfgang Henze, Wichtrach/Bern
With the aid of David’s counsellor Ahithophel, Absalom surprised David by proclaiming himself king in Hebron. After David fled from his home, Ahithophel advised Absalom: “Have sexual intercourse with your father’s concubines, whom he left to mind the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become odious to your father, all who support you will be encouraged” (2 Samuel 16:21). Absalom pitched a tent on David’s roof and slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.