Where there is no guidance, a nation falls,
but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14)
Absalom was intent on destroying his father’s kingdom, including taking David’s life. Even though he had evil intentions, he still needed wise counsel.
Two of David’s counselors remained in Jerusalem. One, Ahithophel, switched loyalty and followed Absalom. The other, Hushai, pretended to change sides, but was actually still looking out for David’s interests.
When Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, came to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” (2 Samuel 16:16).
Absalom may have believed when Hushai said, “Long live the king,” he had changed his allegiance. Hushai’s words may have been spoken to Absalom, but his heart was still with God’s anointed king, David.
Ahithophel, the other counselor, gave Absalom guidance that was intended to declare to everyone in Jerusalem that he was the king.
Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, the ones he has left to look after the house, and all Israel will hear that you have made yourself odious to your father, and the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened” (2 Samuel 16:21).
The prophet Nathan confronted David after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed in battle. What Nathan told him took place as part of Ahithophel’s counsel to Absalom.
Thus says the Lord: I will raise up trouble against you from within your own house, and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in broad daylight.
For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and in broad daylight” (2 Samuel 12:11-12).
Apparently, it was one of the ancient customs for a conquering king to violate the defeated ruler by going into his concubines. They pitched a marriage tent on the roof of the palace to show the city that Absalom was the king.
Conflicting Advice
Ahithophel and Hushai gave Absalom guidance on how best to defeat David in battle. Hushai, who was acting in David’s interests, prevailed in the advice giving department.
Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.”
For the Lord had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring ruin on Absalom (2 Samuel 17:14).
If we were watching this on TV, my brief notes would be expanded to include the various schemes presented by Absalom’s two counselors. Before going to a commercial break, the “teaser” would have us wondering if two spies sent by Hushai to warn David would be captured.
A Woman Saves the Day
In the ancient world, women had very low status, but the Bible often highlighted their value to God’s purposes. Rather than being captured, the two messengers from Hushai were saved by the quick action of an unnamed woman.
The man’s wife took a covering, stretched it over the well’s mouth, and spread out grain on it, and nothing was known of it.
When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they said, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” The woman said to them, “They have crossed over the brook[c] of water.” And when they had searched and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 17:19-20).
Chapter 17 ends with an old friend of David providing refreshing food for the king.
When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim*
Brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, wheat, barley, meal, parched grain, beans and lentils, honey and curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd, for David and the people with him to eat, for they said,
“The troops are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness” (2 Samuel 17:27-29).
Reflections
This episode in the life of David reveals the need for wise counselors. David was unable to survive without the help of Hushai, messengers, an unnamed woman, Shobi, and the loyal soldiers who traveled with him.
Absalom needed wise counsel, but received advice that ultimately cost him his life.
As we think about leaders who influence our day-to-day existence, let’s ask God to give them wise and God-centered counsel.
Let’s also recognize our need for the support of other people in our lives. God did not design us to live separate from the friendship, love, and counsel of others.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 