2 Samuel 17:13

Into a city. The objection might be raised to Hushai’s proposal that, given time, David would make his way into some fortified city where he could fearlessly defy the surrounding armies of Absalom. Hushai here skillfully appeals to the vanity and imagination of Absalom by suggesting that in such a case David would be met with the power of united Israel, and thus there would be no hope for him. Given such numbers of men, Absalom would be able to draw the city itself off its very foundations, leaving not a stone remaining. Hushai’s exaggerated language was such as to capture the imagination of the vainglorious king. He was highly flattered by the suggestion that all Israel would be on his side and would continue with him, and he was dazzled by the proposals to reveal before the nation his invincible might.