Counsel
2 Sam 17:1 Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:
2 Sam 17:2 And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:
2 Sam 17:3 And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.
The plan was to kill only king David, Absalom's father. This way there would be no war and all of David's men would return to serve Absalom. Wicked Ahithophel wanted David out of the way. Then he would have power over Absalom, with his brain able to take over his weak mind.
2 Sam 17:4 And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.
What a poor excuse for a man. Absalom had no conscience towards the death of his own father. A spoiled evil foolish man, with no ability to make his own decisions. Following his wicked counselor, defiling his father's wives and now his father he gives to the sentence of death. Judas looks innocent beside this son of satan.
Not at this time
2 Sam 17:5 Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.
Mat 12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
It was Hushai's purpose to oppose the counsel of Ahithophel. We shall learn some of the methods used by an opposer. Of course to oppose Absalom and Ahithophel was a good thing. Satan is the master opposer against the plans of our Lord and His people, so to oppose evil is good.
2 Sam 17:6 And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou.
2 Sam 17:7 And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time.
How many good plans have been hindered by this comment. It is a good plan, but, always a "but," not good at this time. In affect the right time will never come, because of opposition. To the Christian, we are to follow God's plan at his leading. If we are with others, more than likely someone will speak up, "not at this time." Often it is fear that keeps us from going forward, someone always comes up with an excuse. When Israel came to the borders of the promised land, twelve spies were sent ahead. Ten returned with fear and reasons to not go in. Only two, Joshua and Caleb had faith and said it is time to go in. All Israel listened to the negative reports and were overcome with fear and anxiety.
Num 13:32 And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.
Num 13:33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.
Num 14:1 And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.
We must not listen to those who say "not at this time." If God says move we are to move. An entire generation died in the wilderness because of unbelief and fear, only two; Joshua and Caleb entered the promise land. Even Moses was not allowed in because of disobedience. We must obey God. Absalom had no contact with God, he had to rely on the counsel of men.
Melting hearts
2 Sam 17:8 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 Sam 17:9 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 Sam 17:10 And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.
They are too strong for you. David will hide and then the people will lose a battle and their hearts will melt within them. This is what actually happened when Israel approached the promised land. Rahab, recounted the fear of the native people because they saw that the God of Israel was mighty before them.
Josh 2:9 And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
Josh 2:10 For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
Josh 2:11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
Josh 2:12 Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have showed you kindness, that ye will also show kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token:
Josh 2:13 And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.
It is well, that fear should come upon those who would oppose God's anointed king. David was a man of strong reliance on his God. As a lad he was not afraid of the giant, Goliath. Now he is a seasoned man of war. A rebellious boy cannot overthrow God's anointed king, a man of valor, for God goes before him. He goes with all who trust in Him.
Hushai, as the opposing counsel mixes truth with a lie. This is how the opposer, the devil operates. Hushai uses subtle words to sway the wicked Absalom who has not learned to fear God.
Send Absalom
2 Sam 17:11 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.
There is safety in numbers, but in this plan Absalom was himself to go into battle, putting himself in danger. He probably could see himself in royal garments leading a vast army, this appealed to his pride.
2 Sam 17:12 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.
An interesting picture, we are so many, that we will be as the dew that covers everything, leaving no one untouched.
2 Sam 17:13 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.
The original dragnet story.
Mat 13:47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
Mat 13:48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
Mat 13:49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
God will keep his own and destroy the plans of the wicked.
2 Sam 17:14 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.
The LORD was bringing Absalom out to where he would be the target. How many wars would be fought if those who planned them were themselves in the battle? It was common in these times for the kings to go out to battle. They usually waited until after the winter. When David staid home from battle, that is when he was tempted by Bathsheba.
2 Sam 11:1 And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.
Absalom would go to battle, according to the plan of Hushai.
2 Sam 15:31 And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.
David's prayer was answered. God is in control.
The well
2 Sam 17:15 Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.
2 Sam 17:16 Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him.
David's plan was working. Hushai was sent to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel and to report any news to the son's of the priests, who were loyal to David. They would then contact David to warn him of Absalom's plans. Pass over the Jordan River, there you will be safer. 2 Sam 15:32-36
2 Sam 17:17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.
A young servant woman told the two young men where David was.
2 Sam 17:18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.
Small children speak the truth with innocence. Apparently the boy was asked if he saw the two son's of the priest, and he was willing to share the truth of what he saw. This innocent speaking of the truth is a quality of the young. We are to be as children, humble and innocent and speaking the truth.
Mat 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
2 Sam 17:19 And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known.
The two son's hid in the well covered with barley corn for safety. Jeremiah the prophet was placed in a well until he was rescued. This was a miry clay. This is symbolic of being rescued from our sins. Covered by the seed of the word, and then placed upon the solid rock.
Psa 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
Psa 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
2 Sam 17:20 And when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.
The woman and many others were still loyal to David, the anointed king. She spoke that they were gone over the brook, not the Jordan. She did not betray David's location.
Suicide
2 Sam 17:21 And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told king David, and said unto David, Arise, and pass quickly over the water: for thus hath Ahithophel counselled against you.
2 Sam 17:22 Then David arose, and all the people that were with him, and they passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan.
2 Sam 17:23 And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.
Wow, if no one will listen to me, then I will kill myself. This was not a spur of the moment decision by Ahithophel. Usually suicide is a rash decision, but this was orderly. He had the presence of mind to return home to put his household in order. Perhaps writing a will, paying off bills and telling those concerned who gets what, then he killed himself. Why had this once honorable man become so despondent? He was angry with David for messing up the relationship of his granddaughter, Delilah. Anger, bitterness, wrath, these are all the fruit of the devil He had fallen into darkness. Satan wants you to get angry, to get even. Then he has you. To be influenced by the devil means that after sinning, he torments you with guilt and accusations. The anger turns to self hatred and then suicide. What of a Christian who commits suicide, is there any hope?
One who repeatedly considers suicide is practicing sin in his heart (Proverbs 23:7), and 1 John 3:9 says that "no one who is born of God practices sin." Suicide is often the ultimate evidence of a heart that rejects the lordship of Jesus Christ, because it is an act where the sinner is taking his life into his own hands completely rather than submitting to God's will for it. The Lord will forgive even this, if the person belonged to him.
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
John 10:30 I and my Father are one.
Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Death is final, the selfish act of suicide leaves behind your problems for others. Ahithophel, tried to not leave too many problems behind, for he did get his house in order before departing. A suicide can bring disorder and confusion to the lives of those who are left behind.
Gilead
2 Sam 17:24 Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.
David came to Mananaim
This city was well located for a temporary capital, being situated in the midst of a very productive and fruitful area. Besides that, Abner had chosen it as the capital for Mephibosheth, indicating that it could easily be defended from attack and that it was strategically located. The same reasons commended it to David as his choice of a temporary location. (Coffman)
Absalom was feeling the power of being king and captain of the armies. He who controls the military has the power. Ahithophel wanted to lead twelve thousand men against David, but perhaps his real desire was to become the king by force. He took his life when his plans had failed to be accepted. Our plans should not destroy our peace if they are blocked. God knows his plans for us, and if we remain faithful to Him they will come to pass.
2 Sam 17:25 And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man's son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother.
He even replaced Joab, who had served David, with a cousin to Joab. He now has an inexperienced general, which was a mistake.
2 Sam 17:26 So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead.
Solomon would mention Gilead as a beautiful place of pasture.
Song 6:2 My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.
Song 6:3 I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.
Song 6:4 Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners.
Song 6:5 Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me: thy hair is as a flock of goats that appear from Gilead.
God would favor one of these armies assembled across the Jordan in the land of Gilead.
Provision
2 Sam 17:27 And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,
Ammiel was the father of Bathsheba, so Machir was Bathshebas brother.
1 Chr 3:5 And these were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua (Bathsheba) the daughter of Ammiel:
2 Sam 17:28 Brought beds, and basins, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,
Parched pulse, were peas or beans.
2 Sam 17:29 And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.
David was not forsaken by the people, nor by God. He was given this show of favor. He was being cared for.
Mat 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Mat 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Mat 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Superragman@aol.com
2 Samuel Chapters
2 Samuel 18
2 Samuel 1 Table of Contents
Eaglewings Ministries
Eaglewings Daily Bible