Topical Encyclopedia Ahithophel is a significant figure in the Old Testament, known for his wisdom and counsel during the reign of King David. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. Ahithophel's life and actions provide a profound illustration of the destructive nature of pride and its consequences.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 verse highlights the respect and authority Ahithophel commanded due to his wisdom. Betrayal and Pride Despite his esteemed position, Ahithophel's account takes a dramatic turn during Absalom's rebellion against David. Ahithophel's pride becomes evident as he aligns himself with Absalom, David's son, who sought to usurp the throne. This decision marks a pivotal moment, as Ahithophel's pride in his own wisdom and desire for influence lead him to betray the king he once served. Ahithophel's pride is further illustrated in his advice to Absalom. He suggests a bold and public act of defiance against David, advising Absalom to sleep with his father's concubines (2 Samuel 16:21-22). This counsel was intended to solidify Absalom's claim to the throne and demonstrate his dominance over David. Ahithophel's prideful strategy aimed to ensure his own position of power in the new regime. The Downfall of Ahithophel Ahithophel's pride ultimately leads to his downfall. When Absalom chooses to follow the counsel of Hushai, another of David's advisors, over Ahithophel's, it becomes clear that Ahithophel's influence is waning. In 2 Samuel 17:14 , it is noted, "For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, in order to bring disaster upon Absalom." Realizing that his advice was not heeded and foreseeing the failure of Absalom's rebellion, Ahithophel's pride turns to despair. In a tragic end, Ahithophel takes his own life, as recorded in 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." Lessons from Ahithophel's Pride Ahithophel's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride. His initial wisdom and esteemed position were overshadowed by his desire for power and recognition. His pride led him to betray his king and ultimately resulted in his own destruction. Ahithophel's life underscores the biblical principle found in Proverbs 16:18 : "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Ahithophel's narrative is a reminder of the importance of humility and loyalty, as well as the perilous path of pride that can lead even the wisest of individuals to ruin. 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 Satan's Banquet Miracles no Remedy for Unbelief. Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487. The Wisdom of God The End of Self-Will Sixth Commandment The Betrayal Book ii. Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Resources Should a Christian have swag / swagger? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are there so many tragedies among celebrities? | GotQuestions.org How can an elder come under the same condemnation as the devil (1 Timothy 3:6)? | GotQuestions.org Pride: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Pride is Followed by Debasement Pride is Followed by Destruction Pride: A Characteristic: False Teachers Pride: A Characteristic: The Devil Pride: A Characteristic: The Wicked Pride: A Characteristic: The World Pride: A Hindrance to Improvement Pride: A Hindrance to Seeking God Pride: General Scriptures Concerning Pride: Hezekiah, in Displaying his Resources Pride: Leads Men to a Persecuting Spirit Pride: Leads Men to Contempt and Rejection of God's Word and Ministers Pride: Leads Men to Contention Pride: Leads Men to Self-Deception Pride: Naaman, Refusing to Wash in the Jordan River Pride: Often Originates in Inexperience Pride: Often Originates in Possession of Power Pride: Often Originates in Possession of Wealth Pride: Often Originates in Religious Privileges Pride: Often Originates in Self-Righteousness Pride: Often Originates in Unsanctified Knowledge Pride: Saints: Hate, in Others Pride: Saints: Mourn Over, in Others Pride: Saints: Respect Not, in Others Pride: Shall Abound in the Last Days Pride: The Wicked Encompassed With Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Abased Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Brought Into Contempt Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Brought Low Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Marred Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Punished Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Recompensed Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Resisted Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Scattered Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Subdued Related Terms |
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