Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, "Give me counsel. What should we do?" Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 16:20? 2. How does 2 Samuel 16:20 demonstrate the consequences of ungodly counsel? 3. What can we learn about seeking wisdom from Absalom's actions in this passage? 4. How does this verse connect to Proverbs 11:14 on the importance of guidance? 5. In what ways can we ensure our counsel aligns with God's will today? 6. How can we discern godly advice from worldly advice in our daily lives? 7. Why did Absalom seek Ahithophel's counsel in 2 Samuel 16:20? 8. How does Ahithophel's advice reflect his character in 2 Samuel 16:20? 9. What does 2 Samuel 16:20 reveal about Absalom's leadership style? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 16? 11. Who was Ahithophel in the Bible? 12. Why did Solomon execute Adonijah for requesting Abishag? 13. If Hushai's counsel (2 Samuel 17:7-14) was so clearly delayed and risky, why would Absalom reject Ahithophel's seemingly superior military advice without further scrutiny? 14. Why does 2 Samuel 17:23 describe Ahithophel's suicide differently from any later biblical references to suicides, and are there historical precedents for such a response? Discussion Questions 1. What motivated Absalom to seek counsel from Ahithophel, and how does this reflect on his character and leadership?2. How does Ahithophel's betrayal of David illustrate the dangers of misplaced trust? Can you think of a time when you faced a similar situation? 3. In what ways does the account of Absalom's rebellion challenge us to examine our own ambitions and desires for power or recognition? 4. How can we ensure that the counsel we seek aligns with God's will and wisdom? What steps can we take to discern godly advice from worldly advice? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's sovereignty in a difficult situation. How did this experience strengthen your faith and trust in Him?1. What does Ziba's deception reveal about the human propensity for personal gain at the expense of others? 2. How does David’s response to Shimei reflect his understanding of divine retribution? 3. In what ways does Absalom's actions reflect a desire for power, and how does this contrast with David's humility? 4. How can David's reaction to Shimei's cursing be a lesson for dealing with criticism or verbal attacks in today's world? 5. Why did David choose to endure Shimei's curses rather than punish him? What does this tell us about his character? 6. How does Hushai's loyalty to David contrast with Ahithophel's betrayal? 7. Can we find any parallels in our lives where we have shown loyalty or disloyalty, and what were the consequences? 8. How does David's response to adversity show his trust in God? How can we apply this trust in our lives? 9. What lessons can we learn from Absalom's disgraceful act of usurping his father's throne? 10. Reflect on how you handle false accusations. Do you respond like David or differently? 11. Why did Absalom follow Ahithophel's advice, and what does this reveal about the nature of his rebellion? 12. How does the narrative of Ahithophel and Absalom highlight the danger of bad counsel? 13. In what ways can we prevent ourselves from becoming tools of deceit like Ziba? 14. How does David's humility serve as an example for us when we face the consequences of our own wrong actions? 15. How would you handle a situation where a friend betrayed you like Ahithophel betrayed David? 16. What does this chapter reveal about the dynamics of power, treachery, and loyalty? 17. How does Shimei's disrespect towards David compare to today's culture of respect towards leadership? 18. What steps can you take to demonstrate humility and grace in times of adversity as David did? 19. How does David's treatment of Shimei challenge your own approach to dealing with personal enemies? 20. What personal changes can you make in your life in response to the lessons learned from 2 Samuel 16? Links 2 Samuel 16:20 NIV2 Samuel 16:20 NLT 2 Samuel 16:20 ESV 2 Samuel 16:20 NASB 2 Samuel 16:20 KJV 2 Samuel 16:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |



