Why did Hushai advise against Ahithophel's counsel in 2 Samuel 17:7? Setting the Scene – 2 Samuel 17:7 “Then Hushai said to Absalom, ‘The counsel that Ahithophel has given this time is not good.’” Context of the Moment - David is fleeing Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:14). - Absalom has seized the throne (2 Samuel 15:10). - Ahithophel’s first plan: pursue immediately with twelve thousand men, strike David while weary, and kill only the king (2 Samuel 17:1-4). - Hushai, secretly loyal to David, has been placed in Absalom’s court to “frustrate the counsel of Ahithophel” (2 Samuel 15:31, 34). Why Hushai Opposed the Counsel Remember David’s Prayer - David had prayed, “O LORD, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” (2 Samuel 15:31). - Hushai’s words become God’s immediate answer, directing events to preserve David (cf. Proverbs 21:30; Isaiah 14:27). Strategic Realities - David’s warriors were seasoned and fierce. • “You know your father and his men, that they are mighty men, and enraged like a bear robbed of her cubs” (2 Samuel 17:8). - David would not stay with the main column. • “Behold, he is now hidden in one of the caves or in some other place” (2 Samuel 17:9). - A premature strike risked panic in Absalom’s army if the first assault failed (2 Samuel 17:9-10). - Time was needed for a decisive, overwhelming force, not a hasty raid. Appealing to Absalom’s Pride - Hushai paints a grand vision: • “Let all Israel be gathered to you, from Dan to Beersheba, as numerous as the sand on the seashore” (2 Samuel 17:11). • Absalom himself would lead, basking in nationwide support (17:11-12). - This flattery feeds Absalom’s vanity, making the slower plan attractive while giving David vital hours to regroup (17:16-22). Divine Sovereignty at Work - “For the LORD had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, in order that the LORD might bring disaster upon Absalom” (2 Samuel 17:14). - Even the wisest human schemes cannot prevail against God’s purpose (Job 5:12-13; Psalm 33:10-11). Results of Hushai’s Advice - David crosses the Jordan safely (2 Samuel 17:22). - Ahithophel, seeing his counsel rejected and the outcome sealed, hangs himself (2 Samuel 17:23). - Absalom’s eventual defeat at Mahanaim fulfills the Lord’s plan (2 Samuel 18:6-8). Takeaways for Today - God answers prayer, often through unseen, strategic means (Philippians 4:6-7). - Human wisdom, however brilliant, falters when opposed to God’s will (1 Corinthians 1:19-20). - Loyalty to God and His anointed may call for courage and creativity, as with Hushai (Proverbs 27:6). - Pride blinds leaders to sound counsel; humility safeguards decisions (Proverbs 16:18). |
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