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2 Samuel 16:15–23
Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one had inquired at the oracle of God (v. 23a).
As we return to 2 Samuel, we come to the moment of Absalom’s greatest triumph. He arrives at Jerusalem to find the city abandoned by King David, so he and “all the people, the men of Israel,” including David’s old counselor Ahithophel, march in as conquerors.
But even though Absalom has stolen the hearts of the men of Israel and now has assumed control of the capital, some still are loyal to David. These include Hushai, who stayed in Jerusalem at David’s request to act as a spy in Absalom’s court. He now comes to Absalom with feigned loyalty, proclaiming, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” Hushai utters these words with David in mind, but Absalom believes they are directed at him. Still, he finds Hushai’s enlistment in his cause a bit surprising, for he knows of Hushai’s long service to David. Therefore, he asks why Hushai did not flee with David. To that, Hushai replies with more ambiguous language. First he says, “Whom the Lord and this people and all the men of Israel choose, his I will be.” David, of course, remains God’s anointed king, even though some of the people are choosing Absalom. Then he asks, “Should I not serve in the presence of [David’s] son?” but he does not specifically say he will serve Absalom. However, Absalom fails to note these subtleties, and he accepts David’s spy into his service.
As David anticipated, Absalom turns first to Ahithophel for counsel; he clearly plans to rely heavily on this man’s guidance, just as David apparently once did (v. 23). But Ahithophel gives shockingly wicked counsel, recommending that Absalom have sexual relations with the 10 concubines David left behind. Declaring his “ownership” of the previous king’s harem is a way for Absalom to stake a claim to the throne. But even more, this action likely will rule out reconciliation with David. In taking this course, Absalom will figuratively “burn his bridges,” thereby assuring his supporters that he intends to prosecute his rebellion to the death. Matthew Henry writes, “Having drawn the sword, he did, by this provocation, throw away the scabbard.”
Absalom, therefore, takes David’s concubines in a tent on the roof of the palace “in the sight of all Israel.” Such an evil act was completely unfitting for a king of Israel (Lev. 20:11), but it happened to fulfill God’s judgment on David for his sin with Bathsheba (2 Sam. 12:11).
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Was Ahithophel trying to harm David over his sin with Bathsheba or some other offense? Was Ezekiel he simply a wicked man, and, if so, how did David not see that? In any case, Absalom should not have listened to his evil advice. We do well to seek counsel from pastors, elders, and believing friends, but we must weigh all advice against Scripture.
For Further Study
- Prov. 19:20; 24:6
- Acts 18:24–26
- Heb. 2:1