How does Ahithophel's plan in 2 Samuel 17:4 connect to Proverbs 15:22?

Context: Ahithophel’s Proposal

2 Samuel 17:4—“This proposal pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel.”

• Ahithophel sets out a swift, decisive strike on David.

• Absalom and the elders accept the advice immediately, showing apparent agreement and unity.

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Key Principle from Proverbs

Proverbs 15:22—“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

• Scripture commends gathering counsel before acting.

• Success is tied not merely to quantity of advisers, but to the quality and godliness of that counsel (cf. Proverbs 11:14; 19:21).

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Connecting Themes

• Both passages spotlight “counsel” and “plans.”

• Absalom exemplifies “many advisers,” yet the story reveals that sheer numbers do not guarantee success.

• God’s providence stands over human counsel; He can overturn it (Isaiah 14:27).

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Why Ahithophel’s Plan Ultimately Failed

• Although accepted by “all the elders,” the plan lacked alignment with God’s purposes for David, the anointed king (2 Samuel 7:12–16).

• The Lord answered David’s prayer to “turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness” (2 Samuel 15:31), overruling human consensus.

• Hushai’s divinely-orchestrated counter-counsel exposed the weakness of trusting merely in popular agreement.

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Lessons for Today

• Seek counsel, but weigh it against God’s Word; Scripture is the final authority (Psalm 1:1–2).

• Discern the character of advisers—wise, God-fearing friends safeguard plans (Proverbs 27:9).

• Pray for God’s guidance; He alone grants wisdom liberally (James 1:5).

• Remember: unity around a wrong plan still leads to failure; alignment with God’s revealed will ensures lasting success (Proverbs 16:3).