Topical Encyclopedia Ahithophel, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is often remembered for his ambition and the role he played in the political intrigue during the reign of King David. Known for his wisdom and counsel, Ahithophel's account is a cautionary tale of how ambition, when misaligned with God's purposes, can lead to downfall and destruction.Background and Role Ahithophel was a counselor to King David, renowned for his astute advice. His counsel was highly esteemed, 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." This comparison to divine guidance underscores the weight his words carried in the royal court. Ambition and Betrayal Despite his esteemed position, Ahithophel's ambition led him to betray King David during Absalom's rebellion. The seeds of his betrayal are not explicitly detailed in Scripture, but his actions suggest a deep-seated ambition that ultimately aligned him with Absalom, David's son, who sought to usurp the throne. In 2 Samuel 15:12 , it is recorded, "While Absalom was offering the 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 may have been driven by personal grievances or a desire for greater influence and power. His ambition blinded him to the loyalty he owed to David, the anointed king of Israel, and to the divine order established by God. The Counsel of Ahithophel Ahithophel's ambition is further illustrated in the counsel he provided to Absalom. He advised Absalom to publicly disgrace David by taking his concubines, a move intended to solidify Absalom's claim to the throne and demonstrate a complete break with his father (2 Samuel 16:21-22). This advice, though politically shrewd, was morally reprehensible and indicative of Ahithophel's willingness to forsake righteousness for the sake of ambition. Moreover, Ahithophel proposed a swift and decisive attack on David, suggesting that he personally lead the charge to kill the king (2 Samuel 17:1-3). This plan, however, was thwarted by Hushai, another of David's counselors, whose counter-advice was divinely ordained to frustrate Ahithophel's counsel (2 Samuel 17:14): "Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, 'The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.' For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, in order to bring disaster upon Absalom." Downfall and Death Ahithophel's ambition ultimately led to his downfall. When his counsel was rejected in favor of Hushai's, Ahithophel realized that Absalom's rebellion was doomed to fail. In a final act of despair, he returned to his hometown, set his affairs in order, and took his own life (2 Samuel 17:23): "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 tragic end serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition. His life illustrates how the pursuit of power and influence, when divorced from godly principles and loyalty, can lead to self-destruction. His account is a sobering example of the consequences of allowing ambition to overshadow faithfulness to God's anointed and His divine plan. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 17:23And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and got him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulcher of his father. Nave's Topical Index Library King of Kings and Lord of Lords Pardoned Sin Punished The Betrayal Discussion of the Subject of Permission Satan's Banquet The Barren Fig-Tree; Resources What does the Bible say about ambition? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about envy? | GotQuestions.org Ambition: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ambition: Connected With: Covetousness Ambition: Connected With: Cruelty Ambition: Connected With: Pride Ambition: Falsely Charged Against Moses Ambition: Korah and his Co-Conspirators Ambition: Leads to Strife and Contention Ambition: Parable of the Thistle, Illustrating Ambition: The Builders of Babel Ambition: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms |
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