2 Samuel 16:15-23 “Effective or Godly Advice?”
Absalom enters Jerusalem with the majority of Israel and Ahithophel on his side. Also Hushai, the advisor David sent back as an inside man, came to Absalom pretending to support him. “Absalom said to Hushai, ‘Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?’” (17) Hushai’s response utilizes the same tactics of flattery and deceit used by Absalom to win over the people. To begin his reign, Absalom seeks Ahithophel’s advice. So he tells him to go in to his father’s concubines and make himself odious to his father. So they pitched a tent on the roof and Absalom went to the concubines before the nation. “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 regarded by both David and Absalom.” (23) This was not advice from God, but was so effective it appeared divinely inspired. Somehow Ahithophel was swayed by Absalom to use his counsel to oppose the God appointed king. Just because someone is wise and influential does not make them right, but they become a tool to attempt to thwart God’s will.
