2 Samuel 16:23
New International Version
Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel’s advice.

New Living Translation
Absalom followed Ahithophel’s advice, just as David had done. For every word Ahithophel spoke seemed as wise as though it had come directly from the mouth of God.

English Standard Version
Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one consulted the word of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel esteemed, both by David and by Absalom.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one had inquired at the oracle of God. So was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

New American Standard Bible
Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was taken as though one inquired of the word of God; so was all the advice of Ahithophel regarded by both David and Absalom.

NASB 1995
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 regarded by both David and Absalom.

NASB 1977
And 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 regarded by both David and Absalom.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counseled in those days, was as if one asked of the word of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel regarded by both David and Absalom.

Amplified Bible
The advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man had consulted the word of God; that is how all Ahithophel’s counsel was regarded by both David and Absalom.

Christian Standard Bible
Now the advice Ahithophel gave in those days was like someone asking about a word from God —such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now the advice Ahithophel gave in those days was like someone asking about a word from God—such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice.

American Standard Version
And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

Contemporary English Version
Ahithophel gave such good advice in those days that both Absalom and David thought it came straight from God.

English Revised Version
And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In those days both David and Absalom thought that Ahithophel's advice was like getting an answer from God.

Good News Translation
Any advice that Ahithophel gave in those days was accepted as though it were the very word of God; both David and Absalom followed it.

International Standard Version
Now Ahithophel's advice that he provided at that time was being compared to one who inquired of God, so highly regarded was Ahithophel's counsel by both David and Absalom.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
In those days Ahithophel's advice was considered as valuable as a prophetic revelation. Both David and Absalom highly regarded the advice of Ahithophel.

New Heart English Bible
Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one inquired of the word of God. So was all the counsel of Ahithophel both to David and to Absalom.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counseled 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.

World English Bible
The counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man inquired at the inner sanctuary of God. All the counsel of Ahithophel was like this both with David and with Absalom.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the counsel of Ahithophel which he counseled in those days [is] as [when] one inquires at the word of God; so [is] all the counsel of Ahithophel both to David and to Absalom.

Young's Literal Translation
And the counsel of Ahithophel which he counselled in those days is as when one inquireth at the word of God; so is all the counsel of Ahithophel both to David and to Absalom.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the counsel of Ahithophel which he counseled in those days, according as it will be asked in the word of God: thus all the counsel of Ahithophel also to David also to Absalom.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now the counsel of Achitophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man should consult God: so was all the counsel of Achitophel, both when he was with David, and when he was with Absalom.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now the counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was treated as if one were consulting God. So was every counsel of Ahithophel, both when he was with David, and when he was with Absalom.

New American Bible
Now the counsel given by Ahithophel at that time was as though one sought the word of God. Such was all the counsel of Ahithophel both to David and to Absalom.

New Revised Standard Version
Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one consulted the oracle of God; so all the counsel of Ahithophel was esteemed, both by David and by Absalom.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the counsel of Ahithophel which he gave 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.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the counsel that Akhithuphel was counseling in those days was like a person inquiring of the Word of God. As all the counsel of Akhithuphel was to David, so also it was to Abishlum
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the counsel of Achitophel, which he counselled in former days, was as if one should enquire of the word of God: so was all the counsel of Achitophel both to David and also to Abessalom.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai
22So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. 23Now 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.

Cross References
1 Kings 4:34
So men of all nations came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.

1 Kings 10:24
The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.

1 Kings 3:28
When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had given, they stood in awe of him, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice.

1 Kings 12:6-8
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 Chronicles 27:32-33
David’s uncle Jonathan was a counselor; he was a man of insight and a scribe. Jehiel son of Hachmoni attended to the sons of the king. / Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.

1 Kings 22:5
But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.”

1 Kings 22:7
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?”

1 Kings 22:23
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.”

2 Chronicles 18:4
But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.”

2 Chronicles 18:6
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?”

2 Chronicles 18:22
So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of these prophets of yours, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.”

Matthew 12:42
The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.

Luke 11:31
The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.

Acts 6:10
but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

Acts 7:10
and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.


Treasury of Scripture

And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counceled 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.

as if

Numbers 27:21
And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

1 Samuel 30:8
And David inquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.

Psalm 28:2
Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.

oracle of God [heb] word of God

Psalm 19:7
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

all the counsel

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.

Job 28:28
And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

both

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.

Ecclesiastes 10:1
Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.

Jump to Previous
Absalom Ab'salom Advice Ahithophel Ahith'ophel Ahithophel's Consulted Counsel Counseled Counselled David Direction Esteemed Highly Inquired Inquires Inquireth Opinions Oracle Regarded Valued Word
Jump to Next
Absalom Ab'salom Advice Ahithophel Ahith'ophel Ahithophel's Consulted Counsel Counseled Counselled David Direction Esteemed Highly Inquired Inquires Inquireth Opinions Oracle Regarded Valued Word
2 Samuel 16
1. Ziba, by presents and false suggestions, obtains his master's inheritance
5. At Bahurim, Shimei curses David
9. David with patience abstains, and restrains others, from revenge
15. Hushai insinuates himself into Absalom's counsel
20. Ahithophel's counsel














Now the advice of Ahithophel
Ahithophel was a counselor to King David, renowned for his wisdom and insight. The Hebrew root for "advice" is "עֵצָה" (etsah), which implies counsel or purpose. Ahithophel's counsel was highly esteemed, suggesting that his advice was not merely practical but carried a weight of authority and insight that seemed divinely inspired. Historically, Ahithophel's betrayal of David to support Absalom's rebellion is a poignant reminder of the complexities of human loyalty and the potential for wisdom to be misused.

which he gave in those days
This phrase situates Ahithophel's advice within a specific historical context, during the tumultuous period of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. The phrase "in those days" underscores the immediacy and relevance of his counsel during a time of crisis. It reflects the urgency and critical nature of the decisions being made, highlighting the importance of seeking godly wisdom in times of turmoil.

was like one who inquires of the word of God
This comparison elevates Ahithophel's advice to a divine level, suggesting that his counsel was as if one were directly consulting God. The Hebrew word for "inquires" is "דָּרַשׁ" (darash), meaning to seek or consult. This implies a deep, intentional pursuit of divine guidance. In a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's wisdom in all decisions, recognizing that true wisdom comes from God alone.

so was all the advice of Ahithophel
The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the consistency and reliability of Ahithophel's counsel. It suggests that his advice was uniformly regarded as wise and authoritative, whether given to David or Absalom. This consistency is a testament to his reputation and the high regard in which he was held, yet it also foreshadows the tragic consequences of his eventual betrayal.

both with David and with Absalom
This phrase highlights the duality of Ahithophel's role as a counselor to both the rightful king, David, and his rebellious son, Absalom. It underscores the tension and conflict inherent in the narrative, as Ahithophel's wisdom is sought by both sides. From a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of divided loyalties and the potential for even the wisest individuals to be led astray by personal ambition or discontent.

Verse 23. - The counsel of Ahithophel, etc. These words form a sort of apology for Absalom. He ought to have had more respect for his father than to offer him so grievous an insult, and aggravate by so terrible a deed the quarrel between them. But his conduct from first to last was utterly mean and selfish, and his only excuse here is that there was such a glamour round Ahithophel, that men yielded up their own judgment to him without an effort, and did what he advised as if it had a religious sanction. At the oracle of God; Hebrew, had asked the Word of God; that is, had consulted God by Urim and Thummim. When a man went to the priest to inquire in this way, he did whatever he was told; and the word of Ahithophel was accepted with equal deference.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now in those
הָהֵ֔ם (hā·hêm)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

days
בַּיָּמִ֣ים (bay·yā·mîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

the advice
וַעֲצַ֣ת (wa·‘ă·ṣaṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6098: Advice, plan, prudence

of Ahithophel
אֲחִיתֹ֗פֶל (’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 302: Ahithophel -- an adviser of David

was like
אֲשֶׁ֤ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the consultation
יִשְׁאַל־ (yiš·’al-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

of the word
בִּדְבַ֣ר (biḏ·ḇar)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of God.
הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

Such
כֵּ֚ן (kên)
Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

was the regard
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

that both
גַּם־ (gam-)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

David
לְדָוִ֖ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

and
גַּ֥ם (gam)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

Absalom
לְאַבְשָׁלֹֽם׃ (lə·’aḇ·šā·lōm)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites

had for Ahithophel’s
אֲחִיתֹ֔פֶל (’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 302: Ahithophel -- an adviser of David

advice.
עֲצַ֣ת (‘ă·ṣaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6098: Advice, plan, prudence


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OT History: 2 Samuel 16:23 The counsel of Ahithophel which he gave (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 16:22
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