AHITHOPHEL’S ADVICE
2 Samuel 16:15-23
Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel’s advice. (23)
chapter 16
15. Meanwhile, Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him.
16. Then Hushai the Arkite, David’s confidant, went to Absalom and said to him, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"
17. Absalom said to Hushai, "So this is the love you show your friend? If he’s your friend, why didn’t you go with him?"
18. Hushai said to Absalom, "No, the one chosen by the LORD, by these people, and by all the men of Israel - his I will be, and I will remain with him.
19. Furthermore, whom should I serve? Should I not serve the son? Just as I served your father, so I will serve you."
20. Absalom said to Ahithophel, "Give us your advice. What should we do?"
21. Ahithophel answered, "Sleep with your father’s concubines whom he left to take care of the palace. Then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself obnoxious to your father, and the hands of everyone with you will be more resolute."
22. So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.
23. Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel’s advice.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
1. Absalom entered Jerusalem with Ahithophel. Hushai, David’s man, also came to Absalom with a secret mission, risking his life. David asked Hushai to stay with Absalom to inform David of everything and to foil the schemes of Ahithophel. Meanwhile, Ahithophel advised Absalom to sleep with David’s concubines to have an antagonistic relationship with David and to strengthen the cohesion of Absalom’s forces. Following Ahithophel’s wicked advice, Absalom pitched a tent on the roof and committed unspeakable sins in front of the people of Israel. In their grab for power, Ahithophel and Absalom insulted God, David, and the people of Israel.
2. Ahithophel was a brilliant strategist, but he didn’t know God. Consequently, his counsel led Absalom down a sinful path that would be remembered by all people. Godless and wrong advice can tear us down. We must cast out advice that seeks only worldly success and insults God and other people. Rather, we must follow the counsel of God’s words—to love God and love our neighbors. Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor who came from heaven with the wisdom of God. His counsel leads us to the path of righteousness and eternal life.
Prayer: Lord, help me to hear your word that is a lamp and light in my life.
One Word: Listen to Jesus’ counsel