2 Samuel 15:12
And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom. And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
2 Samuel 15:12 marks the point when Absalom's conspiracy was fully matured and was carried out under a cloak of religious devotion. His cover was a claimed vow made while in exile at Geshur in Syria, that if the Lord brought him back to Jerusalem he would serve the Lord, which he said had to be paid in Hebron. By that hypocrisy he both blinded David, who let him go with a blessing, and won the confidence of the people so he could lead them into rebellion against the king God had chosen. Before moving openly, he had secretly sent picked men through the tribes to arrange the revolt. He then went to Hebron with two hundred invited men from Jerusalem who went in innocence and simplicity, not realizing that their attachment to the son was leading them into rebellion against the father.
While offering sacrifices at Hebron, he summoned Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, from his city Giloh. Ahithophel was one of David's chief counselors, a man in high repute for wisdom whose opinion was regarded as safe and wise as an oracle. His joining made Absalom's cause appear certain of success and attracted many influential men from all parts of the land to his standard. As the trumpet of revolt sounded, his spies spread through the country the tidings that Absalom was king, and the people gathering to and joining Absalom increased continually. The revolt brought David distress and flight from Jerusalem, but the rebellion was later defeated and Absalom was killed.