A Disgraced Counselor
Ahithophel is King David’s counselor. Yet when Absalom attempts his coup against his father, Ahithophel shows no sign of loyalty to David and aligns himself with Absalom.
Ahithophel gives Absalom advice, which we later find out is correct. But Hushai—working under David’s direction to foil Ahithophel—provides a conflicting recommendation, albeit for David’s benefit and not Absalom’s.
Absalom accepts Hushai’s counsel and rejects Ahithophel’s.
When Ahithophel realizes Absalom ignored his advice, he goes home in disgrace. Once there, he puts his estate in order and hangs himself.
How do we react when we encounter an enormous embarrassment?
What other options might Ahithophel have pursued?
[Read about Ahithophel in 2 Samuel 17:1–23. Discover more in 2 Samuel 15:31–36 and 2 Samuel 16:15–23.]
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More Old Testament Sinners and Saints is part of the Bible Character Sketches series.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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