Then Absalom said, "Summon Hushai the Archite as well, and let us hear what he too has to say." Then Absalom said,Absalom paused before acting on Ahithophel’s urgent plan to pursue David immediately. His rebellion against his father fulfilled the judgment announced through Nathan, that disaster would arise from David’s own household (2 Samuel 12:11). Yet Absalom remained responsible for his proud and violent rejection of the Lord’s anointed king. 2Sa 16:20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me counsel.… “Summon Hushai the Archite as well, Hushai was David’s loyal friend, sent back into Jerusalem to frustrate Ahithophel’s counsel (2 Samuel 15:32-37). Though Absalom regarded him as another useful adviser, the Lord had placed Hushai within the rebel court for David’s preservation. Hushai’s willingness to risk his life for David displays faithful service to the rightful king. 2Sa 15:34-37 But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel… and let us hear what he too has to say.” Absalom’s desire for another opinion appeared prudent, but it became the means by which God overturned Ahithophel’s strategy. The Lord had determined to bring disaster upon Absalom, and He used Hushai’s counsel to delay the attack long enough for David and his followers to escape and prepare (2 Samuel 17:14). 2Sa 16:23 Now in those days, the advice of Ahithophel was… Persons / Places / Events 1. AbsalomThe son of King David, who rebelled against his father and sought to take over the kingdom of Israel. 2. Hushai the Archite A loyal friend and advisor to King David, who infiltrated Absalom's court to act as a spy and counter the counsel of Ahithophel. 3. Ahithophel A highly esteemed counselor whose advice was considered almost as if one had consulted the word of God. He initially sided with Absalom during the rebellion. 4. David The reigning king of Israel, father of Absalom, and a man after God's own heart, who was in exile during Absalom's rebellion. 5. Jerusalem The capital city of Israel, where Absalom set up his temporary court during his rebellion against David. Teaching Points The Importance of Wise CounselAbsalom's decision to seek advice from multiple counselors highlights the need for discernment and wisdom in leadership. Believers should seek godly counsel in their own lives. Loyalty and Deception Hushai's role as a double agent underscores the complexity of loyalty and the use of deception for a greater good. Christians must navigate these situations with integrity and prayerful consideration. God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs Despite Absalom's rebellion and the counsel of Ahithophel, God's plan for David's kingship prevailed. This teaches us to trust in God's ultimate control over our circumstances. The Consequences of Rebellion Absalom's actions serve as a warning about the dangers of pride and rebellion against God-ordained authority. Believers are called to submit to God's will and authority in their lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Absalom's decision to consult multiple advisors reflect the biblical principle of seeking wise counsel, and how can we apply this in our own decision-making processes?2. In what ways does Hushai's loyalty to David demonstrate the importance of faithfulness in our relationships, and how can we cultivate such loyalty in our own lives? 3. How does the account of Absalom's rebellion illustrate the consequences of pride and rebellion, and what steps can we take to guard against these attitudes in our hearts? 4. How can we discern when deception might be justified for a greater good, as seen in Hushai's actions, and what biblical principles should guide us in such situations? 5. How does the outcome of Absalom's rebellion reinforce the concept of God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding bring comfort and assurance in our own lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 15:34-35This passage provides background on the relationship between David and his advisors, highlighting the importance of wise counsel. Proverbs 11:14 This verse emphasizes the value of having multiple counselors, which is relevant to Absalom's decision to seek advice from both Ahithophel and Hushai. Psalm 55:12-14 David laments betrayal by a close friend, which can be connected to Ahithophel's betrayal and Hushai's loyalty. James 1:5 Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, paralleling the need for divine guidance in decision-making.
People Abiathar, Abigail, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Ahithophel, Amasa, Ammiel, Ammonites, Arkite, Barzillai, Dan, David, Hushai, Ithra, Jesse, Jether, Joab, Jonathan, Machir, Nahash, Shobi, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces Bahurim, Beersheba, Dan, En-rogel, Gilead, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Lo-debar, Mahanaim, Rabbah, RogelimTopics Absalom, Ab'salom, Archite, Arkite, Ear, Hushai, Likewise, Mouth, Says, SummonDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 17:1-16Library "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39And no wonder, for David could appreciate a real man when he saw him, and so does David's Lord. I.--LOYALTY IS PRECIOUS TO THE KING OF KINGS. In the days when the son of Jesse had but few friends, it was a precious thing to be treated in the style Barzillai and his neighbours entertained him (see 2 Sam. xvii. 27-29). They were rich farmers, and had land which brought forth with abundance, so were able to act with princely hospitality to the fugitive monarch. But plenty may live with avarice, and … Thomas Champness—Broken Bread The Nations of the South-East Barzillai Continued. David and Jonathan's Son Mr. John Bunyan's Dying Sayings. Letter xxxvi (Circa A. D. 1131) to the Same Hildebert, who had not yet Acknowledged the Lord Innocent as Pope. King of Kings and Lord of Lords Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C. Samuel Links 2 Samuel 17:5 NIV2 Samuel 17:5 NLT 2 Samuel 17:5 ESV 2 Samuel 17:5 NASB 2 Samuel 17:5 KJV 2 Samuel 17:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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