Hushai replied, "This time the advice of Ahithophel is not sound." Hushai replied,Hushai the Archite had been David’s loyal friend and counselor. David sent him back to Jerusalem to appear loyal to Absalom while frustrating Ahithophel’s counsel and communicating vital intelligence to David. His presence in Absalom’s court became part of the Lord’s protection of David and the preservation of the kingdom promised to his house. 2Sa 16:18 “Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD… “This time Ahithophel’s counsel had earned a reputation for extraordinary wisdom, and his advice had often proved effective. Hushai did not deny Ahithophel’s ability; he challenged the proposal at the decisive moment when immediate action against David might have ended the rebellion swiftly. The delay Hushai sought would give David time to cross the Jordan, gather support, and prepare for battle. Exo 10:17 Now please forgive my sin once more and appeal to the LORD… the advice of Ahithophel Ahithophel urged Absalom to pursue David at once with a small force, strike the weary king, and scatter his followers. Such a plan was militarily sound, but it also served Ahithophel’s personal betrayal of David. Absalom’s willingness to hear a competing counsel revealed his insecurity and opened the way for Hushai’s strategy. 2Sa 15:31 Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators… is not sound.” Hushai’s words began the overturning of Ahithophel’s plan. The Lord had determined to frustrate Ahithophel’s counsel in order to bring Absalom’s rebellion to judgment and preserve David. Human schemes, however skillful, cannot overthrow God’s covenant purposes. Isa 8:10 Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal,… Persons / Places / Events 1. Hushai the ArchiteA loyal friend and advisor to King David, Hushai was sent back to Jerusalem to act as a spy and counter the counsel of Ahithophel, who had sided with Absalom. 2. Absalom The son of King David who rebelled against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. His rebellion is a central event in this account. 3. Ahithophel A highly esteemed counselor whose advice was considered almost as if one had consulted the word of God. He defected to Absalom's side during the rebellion. 4. David The King of Israel, father of Absalom, and the central figure in the books of Samuel. At this time, he is fleeing from Absalom's rebellion. 5. Jerusalem The capital city of Israel, where Absalom has taken control and where Hushai and Ahithophel are advising him. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly CounselHushai's intervention shows the importance of seeking and discerning godly counsel. In our lives, we should seek advisors who are aligned with God's will. God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans Despite Ahithophel's wisdom, God's plan prevails. This reminds us that no matter how wise human plans may seem, God's purpose will stand. Loyalty and Faithfulness Hushai's loyalty to David, even at great personal risk, is a model of faithfulness. We are called to be loyal to God and His anointed leaders. The Consequences of Rebellion Absalom's rebellion against his father is a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of pride and ambition. We must guard our hearts against rebellion against God's authority. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hushai's response to Absalom demonstrate the importance of discernment in leadership?2. In what ways can we ensure that the counsel we receive aligns with God's will, as seen in the contrast between Hushai and Ahithophel? 3. Reflect on a time when God's plan prevailed over human wisdom in your life. How does this reinforce your trust in His sovereignty? 4. How can Hushai's loyalty to David inspire us to be faithful in our relationships and commitments today? 5. What lessons can we learn from Absalom's rebellion about the dangers of pride and ambition, and how can we apply these lessons to avoid similar pitfalls in our own lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 15:23This verse highlights the theme of rebellion against God's anointed, which is relevant to Absalom's rebellion against David. Proverbs 19:21 This verse speaks to the sovereignty of God's plans over human counsel, which is evident in the outcome of Hushai's advice over Ahithophel's. Psalm 41:9 David's lament about betrayal by a close friend can be seen as a reflection of Ahithophel's betrayal.
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, Ahithophel, Ahith'ophel, Ahithophel's, Counsel, Counselled, Hushai, Idea, RepliedDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 17:7Library "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 17:7 NIV2 Samuel 17:7 NLT 2 Samuel 17:7 ESV 2 Samuel 17:7 NASB 2 Samuel 17:7 KJV 2 Samuel 17:7 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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