“The Counsel of Hushai”

 “Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:” (2 Samuel 17:1)

Introduction

At the end of 2 Samuel 16 we see Ahithophel advising Absalom to rape King David’s Concubines. Did Absalom regret what he had done? Maybe, but we will never know. We do know Absalom did not trust everything Ahithophel suggested.

David’s closest friend had sent Hushai to send word to David about everything that was said in the court of Absalom. Hushai is to tell it to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests who had returned the Ark to Jerusalem. The Zadok and Abiathar were to send the message to their sons, Jonathan and Ahimaaz. They would pass the message to King David.

Ahithophel wants to chase King David down. We can assume he wants to lead the twelve thousand men himself to elevate his standing in Absalom’s court.

What Ahithophel said pleased Absalom and the elders of Israel. Now Absalom turns to Hushai for advice.

Hushai’s Counsel.

“For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.“(2 Samuel 17:8)

Hushai makes Absalom realize that King David is a man of war, and his army is also a mighty army. Not just a mighty army, but “as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field”. In short, the army was chomping at the bit to attack Absalom. Since the army was not lodging with the people, they were free to maneuver. This would make Absalom nervous.

“Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.” (2 Samuel 17:9)

Hushai describes the type of attack that Absalom will endure. An ambush from some hidden location, which at first will result is a slaughter of Absalom’s men. This will instill fear in Absalom and his followers.

Hushai now gives Absalom a way to engage King David and his followers is a more powerful way.

“11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.

12 So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of him and of all the men that are with him there shall not be left so much as one.

13 Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.” (2 Samuel 17:11-12)

Hushai tells Absalom to build a huge army. Then we will find King David’s army and destroy them all, to include taking their cities apart.

Ahithophel’s Folly

God uses evil people for good. King David has to pay the price for his sinful nature. Ahithophel and Absalom play a part in the price David had to pay, and pay for their own sinful nature.

Ahithophel wanted to be more than just a member of King David’s court. He also wanted to be more than the number one guide for Absalom’s court. Now, with the arrival of Hushai he is relegated to at best number three and that is not enough for him.

“And 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 appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom.” (2 Samuel 17:14)

Just like that Ahithophel goes home and hangs himself.

Stay Tuned…