“Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?”
Absalom had notice sent him speedily by some of his friends at Jerusalem that David had withdrawn, and with what a small retinue he had gone; so that the coasts were clear, Absalom might take possession of Jerusalem when he pleased. The gates were open, and there was none to oppose him.
Commenting on 2 Samuel 16:15-23
And Absalom said to Hushai, is this thy kindness to thy friend?.... Meaning to David; though he would not mention his name, nor his title, nor even the relation of a father he stood in to him, only speaks of him as Hushai's friend: Hushai had professed great friendship to David, and David had been a friend to Hushai, had raised him to great honour...
And Absalom said to Hushai, [Is] this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend? (i) Meaning, David.