What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 15:31? Now someone told David “Now someone told David…” • David is on the run from his own son Absalom (2 Samuel 15:14). • News reaches him at a moment of deep vulnerability, reminding us how trials often stack up when we are weakest (Psalm 34:19). • The king does not silence or ignore bad news; he allows reality to confront him, just as Jesus later faced the cup set before Him (Matthew 26:39). Cross reference: 1 Samuel 23:9–12 shows David’s earlier habit of receiving intelligence and immediately turning to God; that pattern continues here. Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom “…‘Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.’” • Ahithophel is no ordinary defector; he is David’s chief counselor (1 Chronicles 27:33). His advice was regarded “as if one inquired at the word of God” (2 Samuel 16:23). • Betrayal by a close friend cuts deeper than opposition from an open enemy—echoed later in Psalm 41:9 and fulfilled ultimately in Judas’ betrayal of Jesus (John 13:18). • Absalom’s rebellion gains sudden credibility and strategic advantage because of this alliance (2 Samuel 17:1–4). Cross reference: Proverbs 16:28 warns of the damage a whisperer can inflict; Ahithophel’s counsel will demonstrate that danger on a national scale. So David pleaded “So David pleaded…” • Faced with crushing news, David’s reflex is prayer, not panic—consistent with his life pattern (1 Samuel 30:6; Psalm 55:16–17). • He does not convene a war council first; he lifts his voice to the true King, modeling Philippians 4:6 long before Paul wrote it. • The word “pleaded” underscores urgency and dependence; David knows only the LORD can tip the scales. Cross reference: 2 Samuel 15:32 immediately shows David climbing the Mount of Olives, weeping and worshiping—a vivid picture of prayer amid pain. O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness! “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” • David asks for specific divine intervention: not merely escape but the nullification of Ahithophel’s wisdom (Job 5:12; Isaiah 29:14). • The prayer is answered when Hushai’s counter–counsel prevails and Absalom rejects Ahithophel’s plan (2 Samuel 17:14). • God’s sovereignty shines: “There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel against the LORD” (Proverbs 21:30). • David’s request also reveals faith in God’s ability to overrule brilliant but unrighteous strategies, encouraging believers to pray boldly when outmatched (Proverbs 19:21). Cross reference: Romans 8:31 echoes the same confidence—if God is for us, no strategist can ultimately succeed against us. summary David’s flight from Absalom reaches a critical point when he hears of Ahithophel’s betrayal. Immediately he prays, trusting God to overturn human brilliance. The Lord answers, proving again that no counsel can stand against His purposes. For every believer facing intimidating opposition, this verse invites us to respond like David—receive the hard news, turn to God without delay, and rest in His power to make the cleverest schemes come to nothing. |
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