Ahithophel, a prominent counselor during the reign of King David, is a figure whose actions and motivations are often examined in the context of malice, particularly in his relationship with David. Known for his wisdom and strategic acumen, Ahithophel's 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."

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 reputation for giving sound advice made him an influential figure in the royal court. However, his relationship with David took a dramatic turn during the rebellion of Absalom, David's son.

The Rebellion of Absalom

The seeds of malice are most evident during Absalom's revolt against his father, King David. Ahithophel defected to Absalom's side, offering his counsel to the usurper. This betrayal is significant, as it highlights a deep-seated animosity toward David. The reasons for Ahithophel's betrayal are not explicitly stated in the biblical text, but some scholars suggest personal grievances or political ambitions may have played a role.

Ahithophel's Counsel to Absalom

Ahithophel's advice to Absalom was marked by a strategic ruthlessness aimed at ensuring David's downfall. In 2 Samuel 17:1-2, Ahithophel proposed a plan to pursue David immediately, stating, "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."

This counsel, if followed, could have led to a swift and decisive victory for Absalom. However, Absalom chose to seek additional advice from Hushai the Archite, a loyal friend of David who had infiltrated Absalom's court as a spy. Hushai's counter-advice, which was ultimately heeded, gave David the time he needed to regroup and prepare for battle.

The Downfall of Ahithophel

Ahithophel's malice and subsequent failure to see his plans come to fruition led to his tragic end. When Absalom rejected his counsel, Ahithophel perceived this as a sign of impending defeat. In 2 Samuel 17:23, it is recorded, "When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey, 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."

Theological Implications

Ahithophel's account serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of malice and betrayal. His actions against David, a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), underscore the potential for personal grievances to lead to devastating consequences. Ahithophel's wisdom, once a gift, became a tool for treachery when wielded with malicious intent. His life and death illustrate the biblical principle that harboring malice can lead to one's own ruin, as seen in Proverbs 26:27: "Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him."

Ahithophel's legacy is thus a somber reminder of the importance of loyalty, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the ultimate futility of opposing God's anointed.2 Samuel 17:1-3
Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:
Nave's Topical Index

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
... 3:21), in various ways defeating the malice of our ... Thus the counsel of Ahithophel,
which would have been fatal ... But turning toward the Lord, he forgot the injury ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 use to be.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... carriage of the ungodly in this life toward the saints ... David had the comfort of this,
and speaks it forth ... was the death of Balaam, Agag, Ahithophel, Haman, Judas ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

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