What role does counsel play in leadership according to 2 Samuel 16:23? Setting the Scene David is fleeing Jerusalem after Absalom’s coup. Ahithophel, once David’s trusted advisor, has sided with Absalom. Into this tension Scripture inserts a striking statement about the power of counsel. Key Verse (2 Samuel 16:23) “Now the advice Ahithophel gave in those days was regarded as if one inquired of God Himself. So was all the advice of Ahithophel regarded by both David and Absalom.” What the Verse Reveals about Counsel’s Role • Counsel can carry divine-like authority in the minds of those who hear it. • Leaders—whether righteous (David) or rebellious (Absalom)—feel its weight. • The perceived source of counsel determines its influence; people follow what they believe comes from God. • When a counselor’s voice is honored, it can steer the course of kingdoms. • Misplaced trust in counsel that only seems godly can advance ungodly agendas. Biblical Principles Drawn from the Passage 1. Counsel shapes destinies. – Ahithophel’s advice redirected David’s flight and empowered Absalom’s treachery (2 Samuel 17:1-4). 2. Counsel is judged by reputation. – Ahithophel’s track record made his words convincing before anyone weighed their content. 3. Counsel must be tested by God’s Word. – David prayed, “O LORD, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness” (2 Samuel 15:31), recognizing that only God can expose deceptive advice. 4. God can overrule human counsel. – He answered David’s prayer through Hushai, whose competing advice led to Absalom’s downfall (2 Samuel 17:14). 5. Leadership rises or falls on the counsel it receives and applies. Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 11:14—“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many counselors.” • Proverbs 15:22—“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Proverbs 24:6—“For by wise guidance you wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.” • Psalm 1:1—Warnings against walking “in the counsel of the wicked.” • 1 Kings 12:6-16—Rehoboam’s rejection of seasoned counsel split the kingdom. Practical Takeaways for Today’s Leaders • Weigh counsel by Scripture, not by status or charisma. • Seek advisors known for fearing God, not for echoing personal ambitions. • Pray for discernment before acting on advice, acknowledging the Lord as the ultimate Counselor (Isaiah 9:6; Psalm 32:8). • Recognize that even the best human counsel is fallible; God alone turns counsel to His sovereign purpose (Proverbs 19:21). • Guard against becoming an “Ahithophel” whose giftedness outruns obedience; influence without submission to God is dangerous. Closing Thoughts 2 Samuel 16:23 underscores that counsel is never neutral. It either channels God’s wisdom or advances human schemes. Leaders bear the responsibility to discern, test, and ultimately submit every piece of counsel to the unchanging authority of God’s Word. |
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