What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 27:33? Ahithophel was the king’s counselor “Ahithophel was the king’s counselor.” (1 Chronicles 27:33) • Ahithophel served David in the strategic role of chief adviser. His counsel was so highly regarded that Scripture says it “was like one inquiring of God” (2 Samuel 16:23). • Yet this same man later aligned with Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15:12). His defection shows how even brilliant insight can be twisted when a heart turns from loyalty to God’s anointed. • David immediately prayed, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness” (2 Samuel 15:31). God answered by overruling Ahithophel’s plan through Hushai, proving Proverbs 19:21: “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” • The verse in Chronicles simply records his official position, reminding readers that gifted leadership is a blessing but never a substitute for obedience to the LORD (Proverbs 21:30). Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend “Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.” (1 Chronicles 27:33) • “Friend” here is an official title, yet Hushai embodied genuine personal loyalty. When David fled Jerusalem, Hushai met him with torn clothes and dust on his head, sharing the king’s grief (2 Samuel 15:32–37). • David sent him back into the city to “frustrate the counsel of Ahithophel.” Hushai’s persuasive words turned Absalom from a swift attack to a fatal delay (2 Samuel 17:5–14). God used friendship to defeat treachery, illustrating Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times.” • The role contrasts with Ahithophel: one man’s brilliance nearly toppled the kingdom, another man’s loyalty preserved it. The account prefigures the Friend who sticks closer than a brother (John 15:13), pointing to the faithfulness of Christ toward His people. summary 1 Chronicles 27:33 places side by side two influential men in David’s court. Ahithophel exemplifies the power—and danger—of human wisdom divorced from steadfast allegiance, while Hushai highlights the protective strength of loyal friendship directed by God. Together they show that a leader needs counsel, but counsel must be anchored in fidelity to God’s purposes, for the LORD alone secures the outcome. |
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