2. While he is weary. By this time David would barely have had time to reach the Jordan, and with his followers not yet completely organized, he would have been an easy victim for the forces of Absalom. If Ahithophel’s proposal had been followed, the men with David would doubtless have been utterly routed, and David killed. Thus Absalom would have been made secure on his throne.
Make him afraid. Ahithophel’s contention was that in making an immediate attack the army would fall on David while he was weary, unorganized, and dispirited, with the result that his men would be thrown into panic and the war would be over before it had scarcely begun.
Shall flee. In this estimate of the situation Ahithophel was undoubtedly correct. A sudden attack by night would throw them into confusion that would scatter them in all directions. In that way the losses of a pitched battle could be avoided and David might be captured and slain with practically no loss of men on either side.