You will remember Ahithophel, a counselor that was esteemed by many in the kingdom as one that gave advice directly from God (II Samuel 16:23). Ahithophel had been a counselor to David but was now with Absalom. At the start of chapter 17, he advises to Absalom the details of a plan wherein David might be destroyed. But Absalom says in verse 17:14: ““The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring disaster on Absalom.” Recall that David has deliberately sent Hushai back to Absalom so that Ahithophel’s advice could be foiled. It is interesting that Absalom, trying to overthrow David completely, consulting the wisest that he knew, ultimately does exactly what God wants Him to. Do you ever think that you are being directed by God in this way? If you were, how could it be known?
Hushai was a sort of undercover agent in Absalom’s court, along with Zadok and Abiathar, who had carried the ark back to Jerusalem when they had initially tried to flee with David. Hushai works with Zadok and Abiathar to warn David that Ahithophel’s plan could defeat David. The men (Jonathan and Ahimaaz) were spotted and reported to Absalom. After this, Absalom’s servants went looking for them. But they were not found because they were hidden by an ally of David’s in a well as they were searched for. The men eventually find David and warn him.
David flees over the Jordan river, away from the threat of attack. The precaution was unnecessary, because Absalom did not end up heeding the advice of Ahithophel in any case. The fate of Ahithophel is revealing after he finds out that his plan did not work: “Now when Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he saddled a donkey, and arose and went home to his house, to his city. Then he put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died; and he was buried in his father’s tomb.”
Absalom goes after David starting in verse 24, but David is ahead of him and is cared for by allies, one of which was Machir, who had cared for Mephibosheth before David took him in. In Mahanaim, David was met by these allies, who cared for David’s and his men’s needs so that they could rest and recharge. The chapter ends with David safely resting with those that had respect for him.
There are three good lessons that we can learn from this chapter:
- Planning ahead can mean the difference between life and death.
- David knew his men, their personalities, and he was shrewd enough to pay attention to the situation that he was leaving behind. He knew that Ahithophel represented danger, so he countered that danger with Hushai. Also, Zadok and Abiathar were there to assist. It makes us wonder, do we pay enough attention to our surroundings to anticipate future threats and plan for them? It does little good to pray and then wait when there are things we can do within our control to influence a situation. We must be diligent and willing to act!
- Acting selfishly can paint us into corners.
- Ahithophel was wise, and while his designation as being one that spoke directly from God was not true, he had the opportunity to seek God and use his wisdom for good. But when we seek glory for our own and not for the Lord, the tendency to self-destruction increases.
- Doing good for others has a way of coming back around.
- Where would David have been without the help of his allies late in this chapter? Of course we do not do good in expectation of what others will do for us, but that help can come when we need it most. Such is the beauty of God’s design in human relationships. But all should be done for His glory!
Monday Night Bible Study 