Topical Bible: Citizens: Wicked: Ahithophel

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Ahithophel, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is often remembered for his role as a counselor to King David and later to Absalom during the latter's rebellion. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel, where his actions and ultimate fate are detailed.

Background and Role

Ahithophel hailed from Giloh, a town in the hill country of Judah, and was renowned for his wisdom and counsel. He served as an advisor to King David, and his advice was highly esteemed, as noted in 2 Samuel 16:23: "Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was like one who inquires of God. So was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom."

Betrayal and Counsel to Absalom

Despite his esteemed position in David's court, Ahithophel's allegiance shifted during Absalom's rebellion. He joined Absalom, David's son, in his attempt to usurp the throne. This act of betrayal is significant, as it highlights Ahithophel's wickedness and disloyalty. His defection is recorded in 2 Samuel 15:12: "While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his city Giloh. And the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing."

Ahithophel's counsel to Absalom was strategic and aimed at ensuring David's defeat. He advised Absalom to publicly disgrace David by taking his concubines, a move intended to solidify Absalom's claim to the throne and demoralize David's supporters (2 Samuel 16:21-22). Furthermore, Ahithophel proposed a swift and decisive attack on David, suggesting that he personally lead a force to strike David while he was weary and vulnerable (2 Samuel 17:1-3).

Divine Intervention and Downfall

Despite Ahithophel's cunning plans, divine intervention thwarted his counsel. Hushai the Archite, another of David's loyal advisors, was sent by David to infiltrate Absalom's court and counter Ahithophel's advice. Hushai's counsel was favored by Absalom over Ahithophel's, as recorded in 2 Samuel 17:14: "Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, 'The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.' For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, in order to bring disaster upon Absalom."

Realizing that his advice had been rejected and foreseeing the impending failure of Absalom's rebellion, Ahithophel's response was drastic. He returned to his hometown, set his affairs in order, and took his own life by hanging himself (2 Samuel 17:23). This act underscores the depth of his despair and the ultimate futility of his wickedness.

Legacy

Ahithophel's account serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of betrayal and the consequences of aligning oneself against God's anointed. His wisdom, once a source of great influence, became tainted by his disloyalty and ambition. Ahithophel's life and actions are a stark reminder of the moral and spiritual pitfalls that can accompany the pursuit of power and personal vendettas.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 17:1-4
Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:
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Library

The Antiquities of the Jews
... And Concerning Ziba And Shimei; And How Ahithophel Hanged Himself ... Also What He Did
For The Punishment Of The Wicked. ... Of The Jews And Made Them Citizens Of Those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Discussion of the Subject of Permission
... that the curse, advised by Ahithophel, would be ... He might prepare punishment for the
citizens of Succoth ... from the fact that he, by wicked treachery, destroyed ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/discussion of the subject of.htm