Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, "Give me counsel. What should we do?" Then AbsalomAbsalom, the third son of King David, is a central figure in this narrative. His name in Hebrew, "אַבְשָׁלוֹם" (Avshalom), means "father of peace," which is ironic given his rebellion against his father, David. Historically, Absalom is known for his charisma and physical beauty, which he used to garner support in his quest for power. His actions reflect a tragic flaw of pride and ambition, leading to a civil war within Israel. This moment marks a pivotal point in his rebellion, showcasing his determination to usurp his father's throne. said to Ahithophel
Ahithophel was a counselor to King David, renowned for his wisdom. His name, "אֲחִיתֹפֶל" (Achitophel), means "brother of foolishness," which contrasts with his reputation for giving sound advice. However, his betrayal of David to support Absalom is a significant turning point. Historically, Ahithophel's counsel was highly esteemed, as noted in 2 Samuel 16:23, where it is said that his advice was like consulting the word of God. His defection to Absalom's side underscores the gravity of the rebellion and the deep personal betrayals involved. Give me counsel
The request for counsel indicates Absalom's reliance on Ahithophel's strategic mind. In the Hebrew context, "counsel" (עֵצָה, "etsah") implies not just advice but a plan or strategy. This reflects the importance of wise counsel in leadership, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Absalom's request highlights his need for guidance in navigating the complexities of his rebellion. What should we do?
This question reveals Absalom's uncertainty and the critical nature of the decisions he faces. The Hebrew phrase "מַה־נַּעֲשֶׂה" (mah-na'aseh) suggests a deliberation on the next steps in his campaign against David. It underscores the weight of leadership and the responsibility of making choices that will impact the nation. In a broader biblical context, this moment reflects the human condition of seeking direction and the importance of seeking God's will in decision-making, as seen in James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." Persons / Places / Events 1. AbsalomThe third son of King David, known for his handsome appearance and charismatic personality. He led a rebellion against his father, King David, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. 2. AhithophelA highly esteemed counselor of King David, known for his wisdom. He defected to Absalom's side during the rebellion, offering strategic advice to help Absalom secure his claim to the throne. 3. DavidThe reigning king of Israel at the time, chosen by God and anointed by the prophet Samuel. He was forced to flee Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel and the political and spiritual center of the nation. It was the location of King David's palace and the site of Absalom's rebellion. 5. RebellionThe event in which Absalom sought to overthrow his father, King David, and take control of the kingdom of Israel. This rebellion was marked by political intrigue and familial betrayal. Teaching Points The Danger of Ungodly CounselSeeking advice from those who do not follow God's ways can lead to destructive decisions. Absalom's choice to consult Ahithophel, who was not aligned with God's will, ultimately contributed to his downfall. The Consequences of RebellionAbsalom's rebellion against his father is a cautionary tale about the consequences of pride and ambition. It serves as a reminder that rebellion against God's anointed leaders can lead to personal and communal disaster. The Importance of Loyalty and FaithfulnessAhithophel's betrayal of David underscores the value of loyalty and the pain of betrayal. As Christians, we are called to be faithful to God and to those He has placed in authority over us. God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsDespite Absalom's rebellion and Ahithophel's counsel, God's sovereign plan for David's kingship prevailed. This teaches us to trust in God's ultimate control over our lives and circumstances. Bible Study 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? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 41:9This verse speaks of betrayal by a close friend, which can be connected to Ahithophel's betrayal of David, as he was once a trusted advisor. Proverbs 11:14This verse highlights the importance of wise counsel, contrasting the godly wisdom that David sought with the worldly advice that Absalom pursued. 1 Kings 12:6-11The account of Rehoboam seeking counsel provides a parallel to Absalom's situation, illustrating the consequences of choosing poor advice. People Abishai, Absalom, Ahithophel, Arkite, David, Gera, Hushai, Mephibosheth, Saul, Shimei, Zeruiah, ZibaPlaces Bahurim, JerusalemTopics Absalom, Ab'salom, Advice, Ahithophel, Ahith'ophel, Counsel, OpinionDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 16:20-23 5779 advice Library But Although Patience be a virtue of the Mind...
8. But although patience be a virtue of the mind, yet partly the mind exercises it in the mind itself, partly in the body. In itself it exercises patience, when, the body remaining unhurt and untouched, the mind is goaded by any adversities or filthinesses of things or words, to do or to say something that is not expedient or not becoming, and patiently bears all evils that it may not itself commit any evil in work or word. By this patience we bear, even while we be sound in body, that in the midst …
St. Augustine—On Patience Nob. Bahurim.
That Nob was placed in the land of Benjamin, not far from Jerusalem, whence Jerusalem also might be seen,--the words of the Chaldee paraphrast, upon Isaiah 10:32, do argue. For so he speaks; "Sennacherib came and stood in Nob, a city of the priests, before the walls of Jerusalem; and said to his army, 'Is not this the city of Jerusalem, against which I have raised my whole army, and have subdued all the provinces of it? Is it not small and weak in comparison of all the fortifications of the Gentiles, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica David and Jonathan's Son
'And David said, is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? 2. And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. 3. And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. 4. And the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Godly are in Some Sense Already Blessed
I proceed now to the second aphorism or conclusion, that the godly are in some sense already blessed. The saints are blessed not only when they are apprehended by God, but while they are travellers to glory. They are blessed before they are crowned. This seems a paradox to flesh and blood. What, reproached and maligned, yet blessed! A man that looks upon the children of God with a carnal eye and sees how they are afflicted, and like the ship in the gospel which was covered with waves' (Matthew 8:24), …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ
IT needs no proof that Luke attached the highest importance to this part of his narrative. That Jesus was indicated from the beginning as the Messiah -- though not a necessary part of his life and work, and wholly omitted by Mark and only briefly indicated in mystical language by John -- was a highly interesting and important fact in itself, and could not fail to impress the historian. The elaboration and detail of the first two chapters of the Gospel form a sufficient proof that Luke recognized …
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem? Voluntary Suffering
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. T hat which often passes amongst men for resolution, and the proof of a noble, courageous spirit, is, in reality, the effect of a weak and little mind. At least, it is chiefly owing to the presence of certain circumstances, which have a greater influence upon the conduct, than any inherent principle. Thus may persons who appear to set death and danger at defiance in the hour …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Meditations for one that is Like to Die.
If thy sickness be like to increase unto death, then meditate on three things:--First, How graciously God dealeth with thee. Secondly, From what evils death will free thee. Thirdly, What good death will bring unto thee. The first sort of Meditations are, to consider God's favourable dealing with thee. 1. Meditate that God uses this chastisement of thy body but as a medicine to cure thy soul, by drawing thee, who art sick in sin, to come by repentance unto Christ, thy physician, to have thy soul healed …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold, and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow! A lthough the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophecies (Luke 24:44) , bear an harmonious testimony to MESSIAH ; it is not necessary to suppose that every single passage has an immediate and direct relation to Him. A method of exposition has frequently obtained [frequently been in vogue], of a fanciful and allegorical cast [contrivance], under the pretext …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 16:20 NIV2 Samuel 16:20 NLT2 Samuel 16:20 ESV2 Samuel 16:20 NASB2 Samuel 16:20 KJV
2 Samuel 16:20 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
