Now in those days the advice of Ahithophel was like the consultation of the word of God. Such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel's advice. Now the advice of AhithophelAhithophel was a counselor to King David, renowned for his wisdom and insight. The Hebrew root for "advice" is "עֵצָה" (etsah), which implies counsel or purpose. Ahithophel's counsel was highly esteemed, suggesting that his advice was not merely practical but carried a weight of authority and insight that seemed divinely inspired. Historically, Ahithophel's betrayal of David to support Absalom's rebellion is a poignant reminder of the complexities of human loyalty and the potential for wisdom to be misused. which he gave in those days
This phrase situates Ahithophel's advice within a specific historical context, during the tumultuous period of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. The phrase "in those days" underscores the immediacy and relevance of his counsel during a time of crisis. It reflects the urgency and critical nature of the decisions being made, highlighting the importance of seeking godly wisdom in times of turmoil. was like one who inquires of the word of God
This comparison elevates Ahithophel's advice to a divine level, suggesting that his counsel was as if one were directly consulting God. The Hebrew word for "inquires" is "דָּרַשׁ" (darash), meaning to seek or consult. This implies a deep, intentional pursuit of divine guidance. In a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's wisdom in all decisions, recognizing that true wisdom comes from God alone. so was all the advice of Ahithophel
The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the consistency and reliability of Ahithophel's counsel. It suggests that his advice was uniformly regarded as wise and authoritative, whether given to David or Absalom. This consistency is a testament to his reputation and the high regard in which he was held, yet it also foreshadows the tragic consequences of his eventual betrayal. both with David and with Absalom
This phrase highlights the duality of Ahithophel's role as a counselor to both the rightful king, David, and his rebellious son, Absalom. It underscores the tension and conflict inherent in the narrative, as Ahithophel's wisdom is sought by both sides. From a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of divided loyalties and the potential for even the wisest individuals to be led astray by personal ambition or discontent. Persons / Places / Events 1. AhithophelA counselor to King David, known for his wisdom and insight. His advice was highly regarded, almost as if it were divinely inspired. 2. DavidThe King of Israel, chosen by God, who faced rebellion from his son Absalom. David's leadership and relationship with God are central to this account. 3. AbsalomThe son of David who rebelled against his father, seeking to usurp the throne. His actions led to a civil conflict within Israel. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where much of the political intrigue and events of this account unfold. 5. The Word of GodThe divine guidance and commandments given to the people of Israel, which Ahithophel's advice was compared to in terms of perceived authority and wisdom. Teaching Points The Danger of Misplaced TrustWhile Ahithophel's advice was esteemed, it was not infallible. Believers should be cautious about placing ultimate trust in human wisdom over divine guidance. The Consequences of BetrayalAhithophel's betrayal of David serves as a reminder of the destructive power of disloyalty and the importance of faithfulness in relationships. Seeking God's WisdomTrue wisdom comes from God. Believers are encouraged to seek His guidance through prayer and scripture rather than relying solely on human counsel. The Impact of InfluenceAhithophel's influence was significant, demonstrating how one person's counsel can sway the course of events. Christians should be mindful of the influence they wield and ensure it aligns with God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the perception of Ahithophel's advice as "like one who inquires of the word of God" reflect the value placed on wisdom in ancient Israel, and how should this inform our view of wisdom today? 2. In what ways can we discern whether advice we receive is aligned with God's will, and how can we apply this discernment in our daily lives? 3. Reflect on a time when you faced betrayal or disloyalty. How can David's experience with Ahithophel inform your understanding and response to such situations? 4. How does the account of Ahithophel and Absalom illustrate the potential consequences of aligning oneself with ungodly pursuits, and what steps can we take to ensure our alliances honor God? 5. Considering the connections to other scriptures, how can we cultivate a heart that seeks God's wisdom above all else, and what practical steps can we take to integrate this pursuit into our decision-making processes? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 3:28This verse highlights the wisdom of Solomon, David's son, which was also seen as divinely inspired. It provides a contrast to Ahithophel's wisdom, which, while highly regarded, was ultimately flawed due to his alignment with Absalom. Proverbs 3:5-6These verses emphasize trusting in the Lord rather than human understanding, a principle that contrasts with the reliance on Ahithophel's counsel. Psalm 55:12-14David laments betrayal by a close friend, which many scholars believe refers to Ahithophel, highlighting the personal and spiritual impact of such treachery. People Abishai, Absalom, Ahithophel, Arkite, David, Gera, Hushai, Mephibosheth, Saul, Shimei, Zeruiah, ZibaPlaces Bahurim, JerusalemTopics Absalom, Ab'salom, Advice, Ahithophel, Ahith'ophel, Ahithophel's, Consulted, Counsel, Counseled, Counselled, David, Direction, Esteemed, Highly, Inquired, Inquires, Inquireth, Opinions, Oracle, Regarded, ValuedDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 16:23 5780 advisers 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 16:23 NIV2 Samuel 16:23 NLT2 Samuel 16:23 ESV2 Samuel 16:23 NASB2 Samuel 16:23 KJV
2 Samuel 16:23 Commentaries
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