But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: 'I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father's servant, but now I will be your servant.' But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for meAhithophel was a highly esteemed advisor, known for his wisdom (2 Samuel 16:23). His counsel was considered as if one had inquired of the word of God. David's strategy to counteract Ahithophel's advice highlights the importance of divine intervention and human agency in thwarting plans against God's anointed. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God using unexpected means to protect His chosen ones, as seen in stories like Joseph's rise in Egypt (Genesis 50:20). 2Sa 17:14 Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said,… if you return to the city and say to Absalom: The city referred to is Jerusalem, the political and spiritual center of Israel. Absalom's rebellion against David, his father, represents a significant moment of political upheaval. Returning to the city signifies a strategic move to influence the heart of the rebellion. This mirrors the biblical theme of God’s sovereignty over political affairs, as seen in the rise and fall of kingdoms throughout the Old Testament. 2Sa 16:15 Then Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem,… ‘I will be your servant, my king; This phrase indicates a feigned allegiance to Absalom, who has declared himself king. The act of becoming a servant is a strategic deception, reminiscent of other biblical instances where God’s people use cunning to achieve divine purposes, such as Rahab hiding the spies (Joshua 2). It also foreshadows the ultimate servanthood of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). 2Ki 10:5 So the palace administrator, the overseer of the city… in the past I was your father’s servant, This acknowledges the previous loyalty to King David, Absalom's father. It underscores the theme of loyalty and betrayal, a recurring motif in the narrative of David's reign. The shift in allegiance is a tactical move to gain Absalom's trust, reflecting the complex dynamics of political power and personal relationships in the biblical narrative. 2Sa 16:19 Furthermore, whom should I serve if not his son?… but now I will be your servant.’ The repetition of servanthood emphasizes the role of humility and submission in achieving God's purposes. It also highlights the theme of divine providence, where God uses human actions, even those that seem deceitful, to fulfill His plans. This echoes the New Testament teaching of being wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16), illustrating the balance between shrewdness and integrity in the life of faith. 1Ki 12:7 They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people”… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom's rebellion. He is the one orchestrating the plan to thwart Ahithophel's counsel. 2. Absalom David's son, who has declared himself king in Hebron and is attempting to usurp David's throne. 3. Hushai the Archite A loyal friend and advisor to King David, who is sent back to Jerusalem to act as a spy and counter the advice of Ahithophel. 4. Ahithophel A highly esteemed counselor whose advice is considered almost as if one had consulted the word of God. He has defected to Absalom's side. 5. Jerusalem The city where Absalom has set up his temporary rule and where Hushai is sent to carry out David's plan. Teaching Points Loyalty and WisdomHushai's loyalty to David is a testament to the importance of wise counsel and loyalty to God's anointed. In our lives, we should seek to be loyal to God's purposes and wise in our actions. God's Sovereignty Despite human schemes, God's plans prevail. We can trust that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire. Strategic Thinking in Faith David's strategic use of Hushai shows that faith does not preclude the use of wisdom and strategy. Believers are called to be shrewd and discerning in their actions. The Power of Influence The account highlights the power of influence and counsel. We should be mindful of the advice we give and receive, ensuring it aligns with God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hushai's role in David's plan demonstrate the importance of loyalty and wisdom in our relationships and service to others?2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the unfolding events of 2 Samuel 15, and how can this encourage us in our own lives? 3. How can we apply the principle of strategic thinking in our faith journey, as demonstrated by David's plan to counter Ahithophel's counsel? 4. Reflect on a time when you had to rely on wise counsel. How did it impact your decision-making, and what can you learn from Hushai's example? 5. Considering the influence of Ahithophel and Hushai, how can we ensure that the advice we give and receive is aligned with God's will and purpose? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16:21-23This passage describes David's early service to King Saul, drawing a parallel to Hushai's service to Absalom as a means of loyalty to David. Proverbs 19:21 This verse speaks to the sovereignty of God's plans over human intentions, which is relevant to the thwarting of Ahithophel's counsel. Romans 8:28 This New Testament verse highlights how God works all things for the good of those who love Him, similar to how David's plan ultimately serves God's purpose.
People Abiathar, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Ahithophel, Aram, Arkite, Cherethites, David, Gittites, Hushai, Israelites, Ittai, Jonathan, Kerethites, Levites, Pelethites, ZadokPlaces Aram, Gath, Geshur, Giloh, Hebron, Jerusalem, Kidron, Mount of OlivesTopics Able, Absalom, Ab'salom, Advice, Ahithophel, Ahith'ophel, Ahithophel's, Counsel, Defeat, Designs, Effect, Father's, Frustrating, Hast, Hitherto, Mayest, O, Past, Return, Servant, Thwart, Town, Turn, Void, Wilt, YoursDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 15:31-34Library A Loyal Vow'And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.'--2 SAMUEL xv. 15. We stand here at the darkest hour of King David's life. Bowed down by the consciousness of his past sin, and recognising in the rebellion of his favourite son the divine chastisement, his early courage and buoyant daring seem to have ebbed from him wholly. He is forsaken by the mass of his subjects, he is preparing to abandon Jerusalem, and to flee as an … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ittai of Gath Pardoned Sin Punished Loyal to the Core Following Christ The Will of God A Light to Lighten the Gentiles The Daily Walk with Others (iii. ). And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken Formerly, this was the Second Time of Its Desolation. A Brief Account of Its History. King of Kings and Lord of Lords Samuel Links 2 Samuel 15:34 NIV2 Samuel 15:34 NLT 2 Samuel 15:34 ESV 2 Samuel 15:34 NASB 2 Samuel 15:34 KJV 2 Samuel 15:34 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |