Avshalom said "ka'Davar" (verse 6). Why did Chushai call it "ha'Etzah"?
Malbim: If the counsel would bring the desired result, I would agree 1 . However, it will not succeed!
This seems unlike Malbim explained (16:14) that Chushai told Avshalom that he loves both him and David. However, perhaps now Chushai chose his words so that even haters of David would agree with Chushai's counsel. (PF)
Why did he say "b'Pa'am ha'Zos"?
Radak: Even though all Achitofel's counsels are correct, this time he erred. 1
Radak did not explain that the counsel to rape the Pilagshim was correct, for Chushai would not agree to it; [he feigned that] he wanted to force David to peaceably cede the kingship to Avshalom! Kli Yakar explains that Achitofel told Avshalom covertly to rape them; others did not know that he counseled so (refer to 16:21:2:1*. - PF)
