Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Samuel 17:9

"Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some [other] place: and it will come to pass, when some of them are fallen at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom." — 2 Samuel 17:9 (ASV)

Some pit, or in some other place - The Hebrew text reads “in one of the pits,” or “in one of the places.” Therefore, the word “place” must have a specific, defined meaning. It is probably used here, as it is elsewhere, to mean a “dwelling-house” or “village.” In that district, these might have been fortified houses (2 Samuel 17:12; 1 Samuel 26:25).

Hushai’s argument was that there was no chance of seizing David by surprise, as Ahithophel had suggested. Sharp fighting was certain to occur, and the terror inspired by the names of David, Joab, Abishai, Ittai, and their companions would magnify the first few blows into a perceived victory, causing Absalom’s men to flee in a panic. It is likely that Absalom was not a courageous man; knowing this, Hushai skillfully magnified the terror of the military prowess of David and his mighty men.