2 Samuel 17:11

Therefore I counsel. Up to this point Hushai had been endeavoring to refute the counsel of Ahithophel. Now he put forth his own counterproposal. The suggestion was that they take time to muster all Israel into a great, invincible army, and that Absalom take command of this force in person. This was the kind of argument that would appeal to Absalom. Proud and vainglorious, the new king would be glad to take the field at the head of his troops, marching forth in pompous majesty, seen and admired by all, and receiving the plaudits of the entire nation. No other proposal could so successfully stir the imagination of Israel’s new king. Moreover, Hushai may also have endeavored to create a rift between Absalom and Ahithophel, by suggesting that Ahithophel was seeking his own interests and glory in his desire to command the troops (v. 1). How much more fitting and effective to have Absalom himself lead the conquering army!