Ahithophel replied, "Sleep with your father's concubines, whom he has left to keep the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened." Ahithophel repliedAhithophel was a trusted advisor to King David, known for his wisdom and counsel. His betrayal by siding with Absalom is significant, as it reflects the deep political and personal turmoil within David's reign. Ahithophel's advice was highly regarded, almost as if one were consulting the word of God ( 2 Samuel 16:23). “Sleep with your father’s concubines
This advice was not only a political move but also a deeply personal affront to King David. In the ancient Near Eastern context, taking possession of a king's concubines was a declaration of taking over his throne and authority. This act would publicly humiliate David and assert Absalom's claim to kingship. It echoes Nathan's prophecy to David after his sin with Bathsheba, where God declared that David's own household would rise against him (2 Samuel 12:11). whom he has left to take care of the palace.
David left ten concubines to manage the palace when he fled Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:16). This decision reflects the trust and responsibility placed upon them, as well as the vulnerability of those left behind during political upheaval. The concubines' role was both domestic and symbolic, representing the king's household and authority. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father,
The phrase "become a stench" indicates a complete breakdown in the relationship between Absalom and David. It suggests a public scandal that would turn the people against David and solidify Absalom's rebellion. This act was meant to demonstrate Absalom's resolve and irreversibility in his conflict with David, making reconciliation impossible. then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.”
Ahithophel's strategy was to embolden Absalom's followers by showing decisive action against David. In ancient warfare and politics, morale was crucial, and a bold move like this would rally Absalom's supporters. It was intended to consolidate Absalom's power and encourage those who were hesitant to fully commit to his cause. This reflects the broader theme of loyalty and betrayal that runs throughout the narrative of David's reign. Persons / Places / Events 1. AhithophelA counselor to King David, known for his wisdom. His advice was highly regarded, but he later betrayed David by siding with Absalom. 2. AbsalomThe son of King David who rebelled against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. 3. DavidThe King of Israel, father of Absalom, who was forced to flee Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion. 4. ConcubinesSecondary wives of King David, left behind to take care of the palace when David fled. 5. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where Absalom took over the palace during his rebellion. Teaching Points The Consequences of SinDavid's past sins had far-reaching consequences, affecting his family and kingdom. Our actions can have long-term impacts on those around us. The Dangers of Ungodly CounselAhithophel's advice, though strategically sound, was morally corrupt. We must seek counsel that aligns with God's Word. Rebellion Against God-Ordained AuthorityAbsalom's rebellion against his father illustrates the chaos and destruction that result from rejecting God's established order. The Fulfillment of ProphecyGod's Word is true and His prophecies are fulfilled. Nathan's prophecy to David serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice. The Importance of Repentance and ForgivenessDespite the betrayal and rebellion, David's life is a testament to the power of repentance and God's forgiveness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ahithophel's advice to Absalom reflect the fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy to David in 2 Samuel 12:11-12? 2. In what ways can seeking ungodly counsel lead to destructive outcomes in our lives today? 3. How does Absalom's rebellion against David illustrate the broader theme of rebellion against God in the Bible? 4. What lessons can we learn from David's response to the consequences of his past sins, and how can we apply these lessons to our own lives? 5. How can we ensure that the counsel we seek and give is aligned with biblical principles, and what steps can we take to discern godly advice? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 35:22This passage recounts Reuben's sin with Bilhah, Jacob's concubine, which parallels Absalom's act as a demonstration of power and rebellion. 2 Samuel 12:11-12Nathan's prophecy to David about the consequences of his sin with Bathsheba, which included public humiliation, is fulfilled in Absalom's actions. 1 Kings 2:22Solomon's reaction to Adonijah's request to marry Abishag, David's concubine, highlights the political implications of such relationships. People Abishai, Absalom, Ahithophel, Arkite, David, Gera, Hushai, Mephibosheth, Saul, Shimei, Zeruiah, ZibaPlaces Bahurim, JerusalemTopics Abhorred, Absalom, Ab'salom, Ahithophel, Ahith'ophel, Care, Concubines, Father's, Hands, Hast, Hated, Lie, News, Nostrils, Odious, Palace, Stench, Strengthened, Strong, Supporters, WomenDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 16:21 5171 nose
5183 smell
5729 one flesh
6206 offence 2 Samuel 16:20-23 5779 advice 2 Samuel 16:21-22 5672 concubines Library But Although Patience be a virtue of the Mind...
8. But although patience be a virtue of the mind, yet partly the mind exercises it in the mind itself, partly in the body. In itself it exercises patience, when, the body remaining unhurt and untouched, the mind is goaded by any adversities or filthinesses of things or words, to do or to say something that is not expedient or not becoming, and patiently bears all evils that it may not itself commit any evil in work or word. By this patience we bear, even while we be sound in body, that in the midst …
St. Augustine—On Patience Nob. Bahurim.
That Nob was placed in the land of Benjamin, not far from Jerusalem, whence Jerusalem also might be seen,--the words of the Chaldee paraphrast, upon Isaiah 10:32, do argue. For so he speaks; "Sennacherib came and stood in Nob, a city of the priests, before the walls of Jerusalem; and said to his army, 'Is not this the city of Jerusalem, against which I have raised my whole army, and have subdued all the provinces of it? Is it not small and weak in comparison of all the fortifications of the Gentiles, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica David and Jonathan's Son
'And David said, is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? 2. And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. 3. And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. 4. And the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Godly are in Some Sense Already Blessed
I proceed now to the second aphorism or conclusion, that the godly are in some sense already blessed. The saints are blessed not only when they are apprehended by God, but while they are travellers to glory. They are blessed before they are crowned. This seems a paradox to flesh and blood. What, reproached and maligned, yet blessed! A man that looks upon the children of God with a carnal eye and sees how they are afflicted, and like the ship in the gospel which was covered with waves' (Matthew 8:24), …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ
IT needs no proof that Luke attached the highest importance to this part of his narrative. That Jesus was indicated from the beginning as the Messiah -- though not a necessary part of his life and work, and wholly omitted by Mark and only briefly indicated in mystical language by John -- was a highly interesting and important fact in itself, and could not fail to impress the historian. The elaboration and detail of the first two chapters of the Gospel form a sufficient proof that Luke recognized …
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem? Voluntary Suffering
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. T hat which often passes amongst men for resolution, and the proof of a noble, courageous spirit, is, in reality, the effect of a weak and little mind. At least, it is chiefly owing to the presence of certain circumstances, which have a greater influence upon the conduct, than any inherent principle. Thus may persons who appear to set death and danger at defiance in the hour …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Meditations for one that is Like to Die.
If thy sickness be like to increase unto death, then meditate on three things:--First, How graciously God dealeth with thee. Secondly, From what evils death will free thee. Thirdly, What good death will bring unto thee. The first sort of Meditations are, to consider God's favourable dealing with thee. 1. Meditate that God uses this chastisement of thy body but as a medicine to cure thy soul, by drawing thee, who art sick in sin, to come by repentance unto Christ, thy physician, to have thy soul healed …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold, and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow! A lthough the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophecies (Luke 24:44) , bear an harmonious testimony to MESSIAH ; it is not necessary to suppose that every single passage has an immediate and direct relation to Him. A method of exposition has frequently obtained [frequently been in vogue], of a fanciful and allegorical cast [contrivance], under the pretext …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 16:21 NIV2 Samuel 16:21 NLT2 Samuel 16:21 ESV2 Samuel 16:21 NASB2 Samuel 16:21 KJV
2 Samuel 16:21 Commentaries
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