Hushai Counters Ahithophel's Advice
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Background and Context:
Hushai the Archite was a loyal friend and advisor to King David during the tumultuous period of Absalom's rebellion. This narrative is primarily found in 2 Samuel 15-17. As Absalom sought to usurp his father David's throne, Hushai played a crucial role in thwarting the counsel of Ahithophel, who was considered one of the wisest advisors of the time. Ahithophel's advice was highly esteemed, as noted in 2 Samuel 16:23: "Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one inquired of the word of God; so was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom."

Hushai's Role:
When David fled Jerusalem to escape Absalom's uprising, Hushai remained behind at David's request to act as a spy and counter the counsel of Ahithophel. David instructed Hushai to return to Jerusalem and feign loyalty to Absalom, thereby infiltrating the inner circle of the usurper's advisors (2 Samuel 15:32-37).

Ahithophel's Advice:
Ahithophel advised Absalom to pursue David immediately with twelve thousand men, striking while David was weary and vulnerable. This plan was strategically sound and aimed to bring a swift end to the conflict by killing David alone, thus securing Absalom's claim to the throne (2 Samuel 17:1-4).

Hushai's Counter-Advice:
Hushai, upon being consulted by Absalom, offered a different strategy. He appealed to Absalom's vanity and fear, suggesting that David and his men were fierce warriors and that an immediate attack could lead to a disastrous defeat. Instead, Hushai advised gathering all Israel from Dan to Beersheba, amassing a large army to overwhelm David. This plan would delay the attack, giving David time to regroup and prepare (2 Samuel 17:5-13).

Divine Intervention:
Hushai's counsel was ultimately accepted over Ahithophel's, which was a turning point in the rebellion. The text reveals that this was by divine intervention: "For the LORD had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, in order that the LORD might bring disaster upon Absalom" (2 Samuel 17:14). This highlights the belief in God's sovereignty and His active role in the affairs of Israel, ensuring the preservation of David's kingship.

Aftermath:
The acceptance of Hushai's advice led to a delay that allowed David to organize his forces. This strategic pause contributed to Absalom's eventual defeat. Ahithophel, realizing that his counsel had been disregarded and foreseeing the failure of Absalom's rebellion, took his own life (2 Samuel 17:23).

Theological Implications:
The account of Hushai countering Ahithophel's advice underscores themes of loyalty, divine providence, and the futility of human wisdom against God's plans. Hushai's loyalty to David and his role in God's providential plan serve as a testament to the belief that God uses individuals to fulfill His purposes, often in unexpected ways. The narrative also illustrates the biblical principle that "there is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD" (Proverbs 21:30).
Hushai
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