In this chapter, Ahithophel gives good counsel to Absalom, but David’s plan to send his friend, Hushai, to counter Ahithophel’s advice worked. The Lord is continuing to show His favor to David. The chapter begins, “Now Ahithophel urged Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men to start out after David tonight. I will catch up to him while he is weary and discouraged.” (2 Samuel 17:1-2) He’s right. In the previous chapter, the text stated that David and his men grew weary and they rested at the Jordan River.
The text continues, “He and his troops will panic, and everyone will run away. Then I will kill only the king, and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride returns to her husband. After all, it is only this man’s life that you seek. Then all the people will remain unharmed and peaceful,” This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the other leaders of Israel.
“But then Absalom said, “Bring in Hushai the Arkite. Let’s see what he thinks about this.” When Hushai arrived, Absalom told him what Ahithophel had said. Then he asked, “What is your opinion? Should we follow Ahithophel’s advice? If not, speak up.”
“Well,” Hushai replied, “this time I think Ahithophel has made a mistake. You know your father and his men; they are mighty warriors. Right now they are probably as enraged as a mother’s bear who has been robbed of her cubs. And remember that your father is an experienced soldier. He won’t be spending the night among the troops. He has probably already hidden in some pit or cave. And when he comes out and attacks and a few of your men fall, there will be panic among your troops, and everyone will start shouting that your men are being slaughtered. Then even the bravest of them, though they have the heart of a lion, will be paralyzed with fear. For all Israel knows what a mighty man your father is and how courageous his warriors are.
I Suggest that you mobilize the entire army of Israel, bringing them from as far away as Dan and Beersheba. That way you will have an army as numerous as the sand on the seashore. And I think that you should personally lead the troops. (Sounds like a setup for Absalom.) When we find David, we can descend on him like the dew that falls to the ground, so that not one of his men is left alive. And if David has escaped into some city, you will have the entire army of Israel there at your command. Then we can take ropes and drag the walls of the city into the nearest valley until every stone is torn down.”
Then Absalom and all the leaders of Israel said, “Hushai’s advice is better than Ahithophel’s.” For the Lord had arranged to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel, which really was the better plan, so that he could bring disaster upon Abaslom!” (2 Samuel 17:2-14) Wow! There’s that favor!
Afterwards, Hushai reported to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, the plans discussed, and he wanted them to inform David not to remain at the Jordan River tonight. The priests were successful in finding David, and David and his followers were across the Jordan River before dawn.
“Meanwhile, Ahithophel was publicly disgraced when Absalom refused his advice. So he saddled his donkey, went to his hometown, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself. He died there and was buried beside his father.” (2 Samuel 17:23) Wow…”No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17) Ahithophel joined forces with Absalom after first being one of David’s counselors (forming a weapon against David), and now Ahithophel has committed suicide. Don’t mess with God’s people!
Later Absalom and the entire army of Israel had made it to the Jordan River looking for David, but David was now in Mahanaim. The chapter ends with David being greeted warmly in Mahanaim by Shobi, an Ammonite, Makir of Lo-debar, and Barzillai, the Gileadite. They fed David and all of his followers.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Thank you for standing in the gap for us, planning, intervening, and destroying weapons used against us! We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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