What does 2 Samuel 17:14 teach about trusting God's ultimate plan? Setting the scene David is on the run from Absalom. Two advisers—Ahithophel (renowned for razor-sharp counsel) and Hushai (David’s loyal friend)—offer opposite strategies. Absalom chooses Hushai’s plan, not because it is wiser, but because “the LORD had ordained to thwart the sound counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.” (2 Samuel 17:14) What the verse reveals about God’s ultimate plan • God’s sovereignty governs even the private conversations of rebels. • Human wisdom, however impressive, bows to divine purpose. • The Lord’s interventions often unfold invisibly, yet decisively. • God can let evil schemes progress just far enough to accomplish His righteous ends. • Believers can take comfort: no plot, policy, or person can derail what God has decreed. Encouragements for everyday trust • Rest—God is already at work behind the curtains of current events. • Pray—seek His guidance, but remember He may redirect outcomes beyond our foresight. • Wait—His timing may seem slow, yet it is flawless. • Obey—aligning with His revealed will positions us on the winning side of history. • Hope—when circumstances look grim, recall that God once used a rejected plan (Hushai’s) to protect His anointed and advance redemptive history. Scriptures that underscore the lesson • Proverbs 19:21 — “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” • Psalm 33:10-11 — “The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations… the plans of His heart stand firm through all generations.” • Isaiah 55:8-9 — “My thoughts are not your thoughts… My ways are higher than your ways.” • Romans 8:28 — “God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.” • Genesis 50:20 — “You intended evil… but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done.” • Ephesians 1:11 — He “works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.” Practical takeaways • When advice or situations appear to clash, remember that God can overturn the “soundest” human option to fulfill His design. • Resist panic; unforeseen twists may be divine setups for ultimate deliverance. • Choose loyalty to God’s anointed King—today, Christ—trusting the Father to vindicate that allegiance just as He preserved David. |
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