2 Samuel 17:3

the man, &c. Lit. As the returning of all is the man whom thou seekest. The return of all the people to thee will be ensured by the removal of David. If that is effected, there will be no civil war. Ahithophel's use of the term "return" is a subtle flattery, implying that David's followers were deserting their lawful sovereign. But the true text is not improbably preserved by the Sept.: "And I will cause all the people to return unto thee, as the bride returneth to her husband. Only one man's life dost thou seek, and unto all the people there shall be peace." The defection of the people is compared to the momentary desertion of a bride, who speedily returns to her husband.