But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: 'I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father's servant, but now I will be your servant.' But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for meAhithophel’s advice carried extraordinary authority in Israel and was regarded as possessing near-oracular wisdom (2 Samuel 16:23). David had already prayed that the LORD would turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness (2 Samuel 15:31). Hushai’s return to Jerusalem would become God’s answer to that prayer, working through a loyal friend to frustrate the designs of the rebellion. The LORD’s protection of David did not excuse David’s earlier sin or remove the discipline announced upon his house, but it preserved the king and the covenant line from which the Messiah would come. 2Sa 17:14 Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said,… if you return to the city and say to Absalom: Jerusalem was the seat of David’s throne, the location of the ark, and the political center of Israel. Absalom’s occupation of the city gave his rebellion an appearance of legitimacy, yet his claim to the kingdom rested on treachery rather than God’s appointment. Hushai was to enter Absalom’s court as a trusted counselor and influence the decisions that would determine the course of the conflict. 2Sa 16:15 Then Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem,… ‘I will be your servant, my king; Hushai would profess loyalty to Absalom in order to remain near him and oppose Ahithophel’s dangerous counsel. His apparent submission was not an endorsement of Absalom’s unlawful seizure of the throne, but a costly act of service to David during a national crisis. God often preserved His servants through means that the wicked did not recognize until their plans had failed. 2Ki 10:5 So the palace administrator, the overseer of the city… in the past I was your father’s servant, Hushai openly acknowledged his long relationship with David, whose friend and adviser he had been. The statement could plausibly present Hushai as an experienced royal servant willing to transfer his service to the new ruler. Absalom’s acceptance of Hushai revealed his confidence in his own success and helped prepare the way for Ahithophel’s counsel to be rejected. 2Sa 16:19 Furthermore, whom should I serve if not his son?… but now I will be your servant.’ Hushai’s declared allegiance gave him access to Absalom’s inner circle, where he could urge delay rather than the immediate attack Ahithophel recommended. That delay allowed David time to cross the Jordan and gather support. The LORD ultimately caused Absalom to prefer Hushai’s counsel, bringing to nothing the strategy of the rebellion (2 Samuel 17:14). 1Ki 12:7 They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people”… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom's rebellion. He is the one orchestrating the plan to thwart Ahithophel's counsel. 2. Absalom David's son, who has declared himself king in Hebron and is attempting to usurp David's throne. 3. Hushai the Archite A loyal friend and advisor to King David, who is sent back to Jerusalem to act as a spy and counter the advice of Ahithophel. 4. Ahithophel A highly esteemed counselor whose advice is considered almost as if one had consulted the word of God. He has defected to Absalom's side. 5. Jerusalem The city where Absalom has set up his temporary rule and where Hushai is sent to carry out David's plan. Teaching Points Loyalty and WisdomHushai's loyalty to David is a testament to the importance of wise counsel and loyalty to God's anointed. In our lives, we should seek to be loyal to God's purposes and wise in our actions. God's Sovereignty Despite human schemes, God's plans prevail. We can trust that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire. Strategic Thinking in Faith David's strategic use of Hushai shows that faith does not preclude the use of wisdom and strategy. Believers are called to be shrewd and discerning in their actions. The Power of Influence The account highlights the power of influence and counsel. We should be mindful of the advice we give and receive, ensuring it aligns with God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hushai's role in David's plan demonstrate the importance of loyalty and wisdom in our relationships and service to others?2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the unfolding events of 2 Samuel 15, and how can this encourage us in our own lives? 3. How can we apply the principle of strategic thinking in our faith journey, as demonstrated by David's plan to counter Ahithophel's counsel? 4. Reflect on a time when you had to rely on wise counsel. How did it impact your decision-making, and what can you learn from Hushai's example? 5. Considering the influence of Ahithophel and Hushai, how can we ensure that the advice we give and receive is aligned with God's will and purpose? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16:21-23This passage describes David's early service to King Saul, drawing a parallel to Hushai's service to Absalom as a means of loyalty to David. Proverbs 19:21 This verse speaks to the sovereignty of God's plans over human intentions, which is relevant to the thwarting of Ahithophel's counsel. Romans 8:28 This New Testament verse highlights how God works all things for the good of those who love Him, similar to how David's plan ultimately serves God's purpose.
People Abiathar, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Ahithophel, Aram, Arkite, Cherethites, David, Gittites, Hushai, Israelites, Ittai, Jonathan, Kerethites, Levites, Pelethites, ZadokPlaces Aram, Gath, Geshur, Giloh, Hebron, Jerusalem, Kidron, Mount of OlivesTopics Able, Absalom, Ab'salom, Advice, Ahithophel, Ahith'ophel, Ahithophel's, Counsel, Defeat, Designs, Effect, Father's, Frustrating, Hast, Hitherto, Mayest, O, Past, Return, Servant, Thwart, Town, Turn, Void, Wilt, YoursDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 15:31-34Library A Loyal Vow'And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.'--2 SAMUEL xv. 15. We stand here at the darkest hour of King David's life. Bowed down by the consciousness of his past sin, and recognising in the rebellion of his favourite son the divine chastisement, his early courage and buoyant daring seem to have ebbed from him wholly. He is forsaken by the mass of his subjects, he is preparing to abandon Jerusalem, and to flee as an … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ittai of Gath Pardoned Sin Punished Loyal to the Core Following Christ The Will of God A Light to Lighten the Gentiles The Daily Walk with Others (iii. ). And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken Formerly, this was the Second Time of Its Desolation. A Brief Account of Its History. King of Kings and Lord of Lords Samuel Links 2 Samuel 15:34 NIV2 Samuel 15:34 NLT 2 Samuel 15:34 ESV 2 Samuel 15:34 NASB 2 Samuel 15:34 KJV 2 Samuel 15:34 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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