Ahith'ophel, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is best known for his role as a counselor to King David and later to Absalom during the latter's rebellion. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles.

Background and Role in David's Court

Ahith'ophel hailed from Giloh, a town in the hill country of Judah. He was renowned for his wisdom and counsel, which were highly esteemed in the court of King David. The Bible describes his advice as being akin to seeking the counsel of God, highlighting his reputation for profound insight and strategic acumen. In 2 Samuel 16:23 , it is noted, "Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was like one who inquires of the word of God; so was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom."

Defection to Absalom

Despite his esteemed position, Ahith'ophel's loyalty shifted during Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. This defection is a pivotal moment in the narrative, as Ahith'ophel's support lent significant credibility and strategic advantage to Absalom's cause. His betrayal is particularly poignant given his previous close association with David.

Ahith'ophel's counsel to Absalom included two major pieces of advice. First, he advised Absalom to publicly take David's concubines, an act that would solidify Absalom's claim to the throne and demonstrate a complete break with his father (2 Samuel 16:21-22). Second, Ahith'ophel recommended an immediate and decisive attack on David, suggesting that a swift strike would catch David off guard and lead to a quick victory (2 Samuel 17:1-4).

Countered by Hushai

However, Ahith'ophel's plans were thwarted by Hushai the Archite, another of David's counselors who remained loyal to the king. Hushai, having infiltrated Absalom's court under the guise of allegiance, provided alternative counsel that appealed to Absalom's vanity and fear, suggesting a more cautious approach. This advice was ultimately chosen over Ahith'ophel's, as recorded in 2 Samuel 17:14 : "Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, 'The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.' For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster upon Absalom."

Demise

Realizing that his counsel had been rejected and foreseeing the failure of Absalom's rebellion, Ahith'ophel took his own life. His suicide is recorded in 2 Samuel 17:23 : "When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his house in order and then hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb."

Legacy and Interpretation

Ahith'ophel's account is often interpreted as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, betrayal, and the consequences of turning against God's anointed. His life and actions serve as a reminder of the complexities of human loyalty and the ultimate sovereignty of God's plans. Ahith'ophel's tragic end underscores the futility of relying solely on human wisdom when it stands in opposition to divine will.Ahith'ophel (15 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 15:31
And one told David, saying: 'Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.' And David said: 'O LORD, I pray Thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 15:34
but if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom: I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant in time past, so will I now be thy servant; then wilt thou defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 16:15
And Absalom, and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 16:20
Then said Absalom to Ahithophel: 'Give your counsel what we shall do.'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 16:21
And Ahithophel said unto Absalom: 'Go in unto thy father's concubines, that he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel will hear that thou art abhorred of thy father; then will the hands of all that are with thee be strong.'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 16:23
Now the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man inquired of the word of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 17:1
Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom: 'Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night;
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 17:6
And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spoke unto him, saying: 'Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner; shall we do after his saying? if not, speak thou.'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 17:7
And Hushai said unto Absalom: 'The counsel that Ahithophel hath given this time is not good.'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 17:14
And Absalom and all the men of Israel said: 'The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.' --For the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 17:15
Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests: 'Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 17:21
And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told king David; and they said unto David: 'Arise ye, and pass quickly over the water; for thus hath Ahithophel counselled against you.'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 23:34
Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maacathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite;
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 27:33
and Ahithophel was the king's counsellor; and Hushai the Archite was the king's friend;
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 27:34
and after Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar; and the captain of the king's host was Joab.
(See RSV)

Ahith'ophel (15 Occurrences)
Ahith'ophel. Ahithophel, Ahith'ophel. Ahithophel's . Multi-Version
Concordance Ahith'ophel (15 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 15:31 And ...
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Ahithophel (17 Occurrences)

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Ahithophel's (5 Occurrences)

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