Topical Encyclopedia Background:Absalom, the third son of King David, is a central figure in a dramatic episode of rebellion against his father. After orchestrating a coup to seize the throne of Israel, Absalom seeks counsel on how to solidify his power and defeat David. This narrative is primarily found in 2 Samuel 15-17. Key Figures: · Absalom: The ambitious and charismatic son of David, who rebels against his father to claim the throne of Israel. · Hushai the Archite: A loyal friend and advisor to King David, who infiltrates Absalom's court as a double agent. · Ahithophel: A highly esteemed counselor, originally serving David, who defects to Absalom's side during the rebellion. Narrative Overview: After Absalom's successful coup in Jerusalem, he seeks advice on how to pursue and defeat David, who has fled the city. Absalom turns to two advisors: Ahithophel and Hushai. Ahithophel's Counsel: Ahithophel, known for his wise and often infallible advice, suggests a swift and decisive attack on David. He proposes to take 12,000 men and pursue David immediately, striking while David is weary and vulnerable. Ahithophel's plan is to kill only David, thereby bringing the people back to Absalom in peace. This advice is recorded in 2 Samuel 17:1-3 : "Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, 'Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. I will attack him while he is weary and weak. I will frighten him, and all the people with him will flee. I will strike down only the king, and bring all the people back to you as a bride returns to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.'" Hushai's Counsel: Hushai, who remains loyal to David, is sent to counter Ahithophel's advice. He presents an alternative strategy, appealing to Absalom's vanity and fear. Hushai argues that David and his men are fierce warriors and that an immediate attack would be disastrous. Instead, he advises Absalom to gather all Israel from Dan to Beersheba, amassing a large army to overwhelm David. Hushai's counsel is designed to buy David time to regroup and prepare. His advice is detailed in 2 Samuel 17:7-13 : "Hushai replied, 'The advice Ahithophel has given this time is not good. You know your father and his men; they are mighty warriors, and they are as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Your father is an experienced fighter; he will not spend the night with the troops. Even now, he is hidden in a cave or some other location. If he attacks your troops first, whoever hears of it will say, "There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom." Then even the bravest man with the heart of a lion will melt with fear, for all Israel knows that your father is a mighty warrior and those with him are valiant men. Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beersheba—as numerous as the sand on the seashore—be gathered to you, and that you yourself lead them into battle. Then we will attack David wherever he may be found, and we will fall on him as dew falls on the ground. Neither he nor any of his men will be left alive. If he retreats to a city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not even a pebble is found there.'" Absalom's Decision: Absalom and the elders of Israel find Hushai's advice more appealing, and they choose to follow it over Ahithophel's. This decision is pivotal, as it ultimately leads to Absalom's downfall. The text in 2 Samuel 17:14 states, "Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, 'The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.' For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom." Theological Implications: The episode highlights themes of divine providence and the futility of human wisdom against God's plans. Despite Ahithophel's reputation for sound advice, the narrative underscores that God's will prevails, as seen in the thwarting of Ahithophel's counsel to fulfill divine purposes. Subtopics Absalom is Permitted by David to Return to Jerusalem Absalom: Son of David by Maacah Related Terms |