So Hushai came to Absalom, who told him, "Ahithophel has spoken this proposal. Should we carry it out? If not, what do you say?" So Hushai came to Absalom,Hushai entered Absalom’s court as David’s loyal friend, sent to frustrate Ahithophel’s counsel and preserve David’s life. His presence among the conspirators reveals that David had not abandoned hope, even while fleeing Jerusalem in distress. 2Sa 16:16-19 And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom… who told him, “Ahithophel has spoken this proposal. Absalom openly reported Ahithophel’s plan to pursue David at once with a small, swift force. Ahithophel’s counsel was militarily sound and threatened to end the rebellion before David could regroup beyond the Jordan. 2Sa 16:21-22 Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left… Should we carry it out? Absalom’s willingness to seek another opinion delayed the action that might have secured his victory. Although Ahithophel’s reputation for wisdom was great, the Lord had determined to overturn his counsel in answer to David’s prayer. 1Ki 22:5-6 But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel,… If not, what do you say?” Hushai was given the opportunity David needed him to receive. God used Hushai’s loyalty, Absalom’s pride, and the divisions among David’s enemies to protect the king and advance His purpose for the Davidic kingdom. 2Sa 16:20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me counsel.… Persons / Places / Events 1. HushaiA friend and loyal advisor to King David, who acts as a spy to counteract the counsel of Ahithophel and protect David. 2. Absalom The son of King David who rebels against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. 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 King of Israel, father of Absalom, who is in a vulnerable position due to his son's rebellion. 5. Jerusalem The central city of Israel, where Absalom has taken control and where this counsel is being discussed. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly CounselThe passage highlights the need for seeking wisdom from God and discerning the advice we receive. Not all counsel, even from esteemed sources, aligns with God's will. Loyalty and Betrayal Hushai's loyalty to David contrasts with Ahithophel's betrayal, reminding us of the value of faithfulness and the pain of betrayal. The Consequences of Rebellion Absalom's rebellion against his father, David, serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of pride and ambition. Divine Providence Despite human plans and schemes, God's purposes prevail. Hushai's presence and counsel are part of God's plan to protect David. Seeking God's Wisdom Like Absalom, we often face decisions requiring discernment. We should seek God's wisdom through prayer and scripture. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the counsel of Hushai and Ahithophel reflect the broader theme of seeking godly wisdom in our lives?2. In what ways can we identify and avoid the pitfalls of rebellion and pride as seen in Absalom's actions? 3. How can we ensure that our loyalty remains steadfast to those God has placed in our lives, as Hushai did with David? 4. Reflect on a time when you faced conflicting advice. How did you discern the right path, and what role did prayer and scripture play in your decision? 5. How does the account of Absalom's rebellion and the counsel he received encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty over our circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 15:23This verse highlights the theme of rebellion against God's anointed, similar to Absalom's rebellion against David. Proverbs 11:14 This verse speaks to the importance of wise counsel, contrasting the differing advice of Ahithophel and Hushai. Psalm 41:9 David laments betrayal by a close friend, which can be seen in Ahithophel's betrayal. James 1:5 Encourages seeking wisdom from God, relevant to Absalom's request for counsel.
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, Advice, Advises, Ahithophel, Ahith'ophel, Carry, Hushai, Manner, Opinion, Plan, Saying, Says, Spake, Speak, Speaketh, Spoke, Spoken, Suggestion, ThusDictionary 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 17:6 NIV2 Samuel 17:6 NLT 2 Samuel 17:6 ESV 2 Samuel 17:6 NASB 2 Samuel 17:6 KJV 2 Samuel 17:6 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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