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 a poignant example of despair, betrayal, and the tragic end that can follow when one turns away from God's anointed.Background and Role Ahithophel was a counselor to King David, renowned for his astute advice. The Bible describes his counsel as highly esteemed, almost as if one were inquiring of the word of God. In 2 Samuel 16:23 , it is written, "Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one inquired of the word of God; so was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom." Betrayal and Alignment with Absalom Despite his esteemed position, Ahithophel's account takes a dark turn during Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Ahithophel chose to side with Absalom, David's son, in his attempt to usurp the throne. This decision marked a significant betrayal, as Ahithophel had been a trusted advisor to David. The reasons for Ahithophel's betrayal are not explicitly detailed in the Scriptures, but some scholars suggest personal grievances or political ambitions may have influenced his decision. Regardless of the motive, his alignment with Absalom placed him in direct opposition to God's chosen king. Despair and Downfall Ahithophel's account reaches its tragic climax when his counsel is rejected by Absalom in favor of Hushai's advice, who was secretly loyal to David. This rejection was a turning point for Ahithophel, leading him into deep despair. In 2 Samuel 17:14 , it is noted, "Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, 'The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.' For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, in order to bring disaster upon Absalom." Feeling humiliated and foreseeing the failure of Absalom's rebellion, Ahithophel's despair culminated in his decision to end his own life. 2 Samuel 17:23 recounts, "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." Theological Implications Ahithophel's life and death serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's will and the despair that can ensue from betrayal and pride. His account illustrates the futility of relying on human wisdom over divine guidance and the tragic end that can result from such choices. Ahithophel's despair was rooted in his rejection and the realization of his failed ambitions, leading to his ultimate demise. Torrey's Topical Textbook 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The End of Self-Will Healing for the Wounded What and Whence are These? Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487. How God Works in the Hearts of Men. Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ... The Apostles Chosen The Barren Fig-Tree; A Few Sighs from Hell; Resources Why should I not commit suicide? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that deep calls to deep (Psalm 42:7)? | GotQuestions.org What are the 95 Theses of Martin Luther? | GotQuestions.org Despair: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Despair: Leads to Continuing in Sin Despair: Produced in the Wicked by Divine Judgments Despair: Saints Enabled to Overcome Despair: Saints Sometimes Tempted To Despair: Shall Seize Upon the Wicked at the Appearing of Christ Despair: Trust in God, a Preservative Against Related Terms Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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