2 Samuel 16:19

“And again, whom should I serve? etc.] Or “secondly” f279, a second reason is here given for serving Absalom: the first was the choice of God and the people, the second follows: [should I] not [serve] in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father’s presence, so will I be in thy presence: he signifies, that as the kingdom was not translated into another family, but continued in succession in David’s house, the alteration made was of no great consequence; it was indifferent to him whom he served, the father or the son; and he could as freely, and would as faithfully serve the son as the father; nor did he think it any breach of friendship to David, nor would David resent it, that…”

“16:19 why shouldn’t I serve you? (literally and second, to whom will I do service? Not before his son?): The ambiguous language continues. Hushai phrased his profession of loyalty as a question rather than as a commitment. His intent, lost on Absalom, was to serve David while fooling Absalom into thinking that he had changed sides. Similarly, just as I was your father’s adviser, now I will be your adviser! is literally, as I served before your father, so I will [serve your father] before you.”

“should I not serve: Sa2 15:34; Sa1 28:2, Sa1 29:8; Psa 55:21; Gal 2:13 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 16:20”