Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Now David had been told, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David prayed, “LORD, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness.” New Living Translation When someone told David that his adviser Ahithophel was now backing Absalom, David prayed, “O LORD, let Ahithophel give Absalom foolish advice!” English Standard Version And it was told David, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.” Berean Standard Bible Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” King James Bible 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. New King James Version Then someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O LORD, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” New American Standard Bible Now someone informed David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “LORD, please make the advice of Ahithophel foolish.” NASB 1995 Now someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O LORD, I pray, make the counsel of Ahithophel foolishness.” NASB 1977 Now someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O LORD, I pray, make the counsel of Ahithophel foolishness.” Legacy Standard Bible Now David informed them, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O Yahweh, I pray, make the counsel of Ahithophel foolishness.” Amplified Bible David was told, “Ahithophel [your counselor] is among the conspirators with Absalom.” David said, “O LORD, I pray You, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness.” Christian Standard Bible Then someone reported to David, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” “LORD,” David pleaded, “please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness! ” Holman Christian Standard Bible Then someone reported to David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom."” LORD,” David pleaded, “please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” American Standard Version And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O Jehovah, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. Contemporary English Version Someone told David, "Ahithophel is helping Absalom plot against you!" David said, "Please, LORD, keep Ahithophel's plans from working!" English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then David was told, "Ahithophel is among those conspiring with Absalom." So David prayed, "LORD, make Ahithophel's advice foolish." Good News Translation When David was told that Ahithophel had joined Absalom's rebellion, he prayed, "Please, LORD, turn Ahithophel's advice into nonsense!" International Standard Version Just then, someone told David, "Ahithophel is one of Absalom's conspirators!" So David prayed, "LORD, please turn Ahithophel's counsel into foolishness." NET Bible Now David had been told, "Ahithophel has sided with the conspirators who are with Absalom. So David prayed, "Make the advice of Ahithophel foolish, O LORD!" New Heart English Bible Someone told David, saying, "Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom." David said, "LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness." Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” World English Bible Someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” David said, “Yahweh, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand David declared, saying, “Ahithophel [is] among the conspirators with Absalom”; and David says, “Please make the counsel of Ahithophel foolish, O YHWH.” Young's Literal Translation and David declared, saying, 'Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom;' and David saith, 'Make foolish, I pray Thee, the counsel of Ahithophel, O Jehovah.' Smith's Literal Translation And it was announced to David, saying, Ahithophel among those conspiring with Absalom. And David will say, Now make foolish the counsel of Ahithophel, O Jehovah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd it was told David that Achitophel also was in the conspiracy with Absalom, and David said: Infatuate, O Lord, I beseech thee, the counsel of Achitophel. Catholic Public Domain Version Then it was reported to David that Ahithophel also had joined in swearing with Absalom. And David said, “ O Lord, I beg you, to uncover the foolishness of the counsel of Ahithophel.” New American Bible When David was told, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom,” he said, “O LORD, turn the counsel of Ahithophel to folly!” New Revised Standard Version David was told that Ahithophel was among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, “O LORD, I pray you, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they told David, saying, Ahithophel has conspired with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, nullify the counsel of Ahithophel. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they told David and they said to him: “Akhithuphel himself revolted with Abishlum!" And David spoke and said: “Let the counsel of Akhithuphel be nullified!" OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And it was reported to David, saying, Achitophel also is among the conspirators with Abessalom. And David said, O Lord my God, disconcert, I pray thee, the counsel of Achitophel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Weeps at the Mount of Olives30But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went. 31Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” 32When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head.… Cross References Psalm 41:9 Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. Psalm 55:12-14 For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. / But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God. 1 Chronicles 27:33 Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend. 2 Samuel 16:23 Now in those days the advice of Ahithophel was like the consultation of the word of God. Such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice. 2 Samuel 17:14 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. 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 affairs in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb. 1 Kings 12:6-11 Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” / But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. ... 1 Kings 22:22-23 And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’ / So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.” Jeremiah 9:4 “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. Jeremiah 20:10 For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.” Matthew 26:14-16 Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests / and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. / So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus. Matthew 26:21-25 And while they were eating, He said to them, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me.” / They were deeply grieved and began to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” / Jesus answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me. ... Matthew 26:47-50 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ... Mark 14:10-11 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted to hear this, and they promised to give him money. So Judas began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus. Mark 14:18-21 And while they were reclining and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you who is eating with Me will betray Me.” / They began to be grieved and to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I?” / He answered, “It is one of the Twelve—the one who is dipping his hand into the bowl with Me. ... Treasury of Scripture And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray you, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. Ahithophel 2 Samuel 15:12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counseller, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom. Psalm 3:1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Psalm 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. O Lord Psalm 55:15 Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them. Psalm 109:3 They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause. turn the counsel 2 Samuel 16:23 And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. 2 Samuel 17:14,23 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 appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom… Job 5:12 He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise. Jump to Previous Absalom Ab'salom Ahithophel Ahith'ophel Ahithophel's Conspirators Counsel David Foolishness Joined Please Prayed Someone Turn Wisdom WordJump to Next Absalom Ab'salom Ahithophel Ahith'ophel Ahithophel's Conspirators Counsel David Foolishness Joined Please Prayed Someone Turn Wisdom Word2 Samuel 15 1. Absalom, by fair speeches and courtesies, steals the hearts of Israel.7. By pretense of a vow, he obtains leave to go to Hebron 10. He makes there a great conspiracy 13. David upon the news flees from Jerusalem 19. Ittai will leave him 24. Zadok and Abiathar are sent back with the ark 30. David and his company go up mount Olivet weeping, 31. He curses Ahithophel's counsel 32. Hushai is sent back with instructions Now someone told David: This phrase indicates a moment of revelation to King David, highlighting the importance of communication and intelligence in ancient monarchies. David, as king, relied on loyal informants to stay aware of political developments. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God using people to deliver crucial messages, as seen with Nathan's confrontation of David in 2 Samuel 12. “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who is facing a rebellion led by his son Absalom. 2. Ahithophel A highly esteemed counselor whose advice was considered as if one had inquired of the word of God. He joins Absalom's conspiracy against David. 3. Absalom David's son who rebels against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. 4. Conspiracy The plot led by Absalom to overthrow King David, involving key figures like Ahithophel. 5. Prayer David's immediate response to the news of Ahithophel's betrayal, seeking divine intervention. Teaching Points The Power of Prayer in CrisisDavid's immediate response to betrayal is prayer, demonstrating the importance of seeking God's intervention in times of trouble. The Danger of Ungodly Counsel Ahithophel's betrayal highlights the potential harm of ungodly counsel. Believers must discern and seek wisdom that aligns with God's will. Trusting God's Sovereignty Despite the conspiracy against him, David trusts in God's sovereignty to protect and guide him, reminding us to rely on God's control over our circumstances. The Consequences of Betrayal Ahithophel's actions serve as a warning about the destructive nature of betrayal and the importance of loyalty and integrity. God's Faithfulness in Adversity David's prayer is answered as Ahithophel's counsel is eventually disregarded, illustrating God's faithfulness to those who trust in Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 15:31?2. How does David's prayer in 2 Samuel 15:31 demonstrate reliance on God? 3. What can we learn about handling betrayal from David's response in this passage? 4. How does David's prayer connect with Philippians 4:6 about presenting requests to God? 5. In what ways can we seek God's guidance during personal crises like David did? 6. How can David's trust in God inspire our faith during challenging situations today? 7. Why did David pray for Ahithophel's counsel to be turned into foolishness in 2 Samuel 15:31? 8. How does 2 Samuel 15:31 reflect on the power of prayer in difficult situations? 9. What does Ahithophel's betrayal reveal about loyalty and trust in biblical narratives? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 15? 11. Who was Ahithophel in the Bible? 12. How should we respond to betrayal and deceit? 13. Who was Ahithophel in the Bible? 14. If Hushai’s counsel (2 Samuel 17:7–14) was so clearly delayed and risky, why would Absalom reject Ahithophel’s seemingly superior military advice without further scrutiny? What Does 2 Samuel 15:31 Mean Now someone told David“Now someone told David…” • David is on the run from his own son Absalom (2 Samuel 15:14). • News reaches him at a moment of deep vulnerability, reminding us how trials often stack up when we are weakest (Psalm 34:19). • The king does not silence or ignore bad news; he allows reality to confront him, just as Jesus later faced the cup set before Him (Matthew 26:39). Cross reference: 1 Samuel 23:9–12 shows David’s earlier habit of receiving intelligence and immediately turning to God; that pattern continues here. Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom “…‘Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.’” • Ahithophel is no ordinary defector; he is David’s chief counselor (1 Chronicles 27:33). His advice was regarded “as if one inquired at the word of God” (2 Samuel 16:23). • Betrayal by a close friend cuts deeper than opposition from an open enemy—echoed later in Psalm 41:9 and fulfilled ultimately in Judas’ betrayal of Jesus (John 13:18). • Absalom’s rebellion gains sudden credibility and strategic advantage because of this alliance (2 Samuel 17:1–4). Cross reference: Proverbs 16:28 warns of the damage a whisperer can inflict; Ahithophel’s counsel will demonstrate that danger on a national scale. So David pleaded “So David pleaded…” • Faced with crushing news, David’s reflex is prayer, not panic—consistent with his life pattern (1 Samuel 30:6; Psalm 55:16–17). • He does not convene a war council first; he lifts his voice to the true King, modeling Philippians 4:6 long before Paul wrote it. • The word “pleaded” underscores urgency and dependence; David knows only the LORD can tip the scales. Cross reference: 2 Samuel 15:32 immediately shows David climbing the Mount of Olives, weeping and worshiping—a vivid picture of prayer amid pain. O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness! “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” • David asks for specific divine intervention: not merely escape but the nullification of Ahithophel’s wisdom (Job 5:12; Isaiah 29:14). • The prayer is answered when Hushai’s counter–counsel prevails and Absalom rejects Ahithophel’s plan (2 Samuel 17:14). • God’s sovereignty shines: “There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel against the LORD” (Proverbs 21:30). • David’s request also reveals faith in God’s ability to overrule brilliant but unrighteous strategies, encouraging believers to pray boldly when outmatched (Proverbs 19:21). Cross reference: Romans 8:31 echoes the same confidence—if God is for us, no strategist can ultimately succeed against us. summary David’s flight from Absalom reaches a critical point when he hears of Ahithophel’s betrayal. Immediately he prays, trusting God to overturn human brilliance. The Lord answers, proving again that no counsel can stand against His purposes. For every believer facing intimidating opposition, this verse invites us to respond like David—receive the hard news, turn to God without delay, and rest in His power to make the cleverest schemes come to nothing. (31) One told David.--This is no doubt the meaning, but the preposition has dropped out of the Hebrew text, leaving it unintelligible, and reading literally, and David told.Verse 31. - And one told David. The Hebrew literally is, and David told. But we cannot suppose that David had previously known of Ahithophel's defection. The text is evidently corrupt, and the Authorized Version gives the right sense. On hearing of the defection of a man so famous for practical sound judgment, David prays to God to frustrate his counsel, and the opportunity for devising means for this end quickly follows.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Now someone toldהִגִּ֣יד (hig·gîḏ) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous David: וְדָוִד֙ (wə·ḏā·wiḏ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse “Ahithophel [is] אֲחִיתֹ֥פֶל (’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 302: Ahithophel -- an adviser of David among the conspirators בַּקֹּשְׁרִ֖ים (baq·qō·šə·rîm) Preposition-b, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7194: To tie, gird, confine, compact, in love, league with עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with Absalom.” אַבְשָׁל֑וֹם (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites So David דָּוִ֔ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse pleaded, לֵאמֹ֔ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 559: To utter, say “O LORD, יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel please נָ֛א (nā) Interjection Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then' turn the counsel עֲצַ֥ת (‘ă·ṣaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 6098: Advice, plan, prudence of Ahithophel אֲחִיתֹ֖פֶל (’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 302: Ahithophel -- an adviser of David into foolishness!” סַכֶּל־ (sak·kel-) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 5528: To be foolish or a fool Links 2 Samuel 15:31 NIV2 Samuel 15:31 NLT 2 Samuel 15:31 ESV 2 Samuel 15:31 NASB 2 Samuel 15:31 KJV 2 Samuel 15:31 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 15:31 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 15:31 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 15:31 French Bible 2 Samuel 15:31 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 15:31 One told David saying Ahithophel is among (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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