Midrasch zu Schemuel II 16:20

(Devarim 1:13) "Havu for yourselves": "Havu" connotes "counsel," as in (II Samuel 16:20) "Havu counsel for yourselves," (Shemoth 1:10) "Havah, let us plot (i.e., take counsel) against it."

And the whole earth was of one language (Gen. 11:1). Scripture states elsewhere in allusion to this verse: Slay them not, lest my people forget, make them wander to and fro by Thy power, and bring them down, O Lord our shield. For the sin of their mouth, and the words of their lips (Ps. 59:12). David uttered this verse in reference to Doeg and Ahithophel.²⁹Doeg informed against the priests in Nob (I Sam. 22:9–19), and Ahithophel advised Absalom to go in unto his father’s concubines (II Sam. 16:20–22). He cried out to the Holy One, blessed be He: Master of the Universe, slay them not as you do other men, lest my people forget the miracles you performed (in my behalf). Make them instead to wander to and fro under Your control so that they may roam about in this world. And bring them down, that is, from their exalted position. Why? For they have rebelled against You.