Ahithophel, a prominent counselor during the reign of King David, is a figure whose actions and responses are pivotal in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion. Known for his astute counsel, Ahithophel's advice was highly regarded, as noted in 2 Samuel 16:23: "Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was like one who inquires of the word of God; so was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom."

Background and Role

Ahithophel hailed from Giloh, a town in the hill country of Judah, and served as a trusted advisor to King David. His wisdom and insight were unparalleled, making his counsel sought after in matters of state and strategy. However, his allegiance shifted during Absalom's revolt against David, a move that would have significant implications for the kingdom.

Response to Absalom's Rebellion

When Absalom initiated his rebellion, Ahithophel defected from David's court to support Absalom. This defection is recorded in 2 Samuel 15:12: "While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his city Giloh. And the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing."

Ahithophel's decision to side with Absalom is often interpreted as a calculated move, possibly motivated by personal grievances or political aspirations. His advice to Absalom was strategic and aimed at consolidating Absalom's claim to the throne. In 2 Samuel 16:21, Ahithophel advised Absalom to publicly lie with his father’s concubines, a counsel that Absalom followed, thereby asserting his claim and humiliating David.

Strategic Counsel and Its Rejection

Ahithophel's most critical piece of advice came when he proposed an immediate attack on David. In 2 Samuel 17:1-3, Ahithophel suggested, "Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. I will attack him while he is weary and weak. I will strike him with terror, and all the people with him will flee. I will strike down only the king and bring all the people back to you as a bride returns to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace."

This plan, had it been executed, might have led to a swift victory for Absalom. However, Absalom chose to seek additional counsel from Hushai the Archite, a loyal friend of David who had infiltrated Absalom's court. Hushai's counter-advice, which was designed to buy David time, was accepted over Ahithophel's. This rejection of Ahithophel's counsel is seen in 2 Samuel 17:14: "Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, 'The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.' For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom."

Ahithophel's Reaction and Demise

The rejection of his counsel had a profound impact on Ahithophel. Recognizing that his strategic advice was not heeded and foreseeing the likely failure of Absalom's rebellion, Ahithophel took drastic action. In 2 Samuel 17:23, it is recorded, "When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his house in order and then hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb."

Ahithophel's response to the rejection of his counsel underscores the gravity of his role and the depth of his despair. His suicide is a somber conclusion to the life of a man whose wisdom was once likened to divine insight. His account serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of political ambition and the ultimate sovereignty of God's plans over human schemes.