2 Samuel 17

2 Samuel 17 Commentary

by Brad Boyles

Ahithophel had gone all in. He was firmly in Absalon’s camp after abruptly turning on David. How could this man have been a counselor for David for so long? According to Rabbinical literature, Ahithophel was granted access to God’s divine knowledge that others could not obtain.

“Ahitophel of the house of Israel and Balaam of the heathen nations were the two great sages of the world who, failing to show gratitude to God for their wisdom, perished in dishonor. To them the prophetic word finds application: ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,’ Jer. ix. 23”

Num. R. xxii.

There are also documented stories of David and Ahithophel having many disagreements. It is said that Ahitophel was cursed to strangulation because of his wickedness and deception.

It seems very fitting that he became David’s enemy. Ahithophel was a crafty character who resembled the characteristics of Satan. He is even described as an angel in some texts. From a human perspective, it seemed David was doomed.

But the prayers of God’s people hold more power than the wisdom of man.

Then someone reported to David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” “LORD,” David pleaded, “please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”

2 Samuel 15:31 HCSB 

A simple, one-liner prayer offered up to God during a severe crisis in his life was not only heard but answered. It’s not that Ahithophel’s counsel was foolish. It was actually brilliant and most likely would have succeeded. This is why God’s answer to David’s prayer is so miraculous. The plan from Ahithophel is flawless, yet, Absalom is not convinced because he asks for a second opinion.

God made Ahithophel’s plan sound foolish to Absalom when it entered his ears. From there, David’s friend and spy, Hushai, was able to offer a different strategy to win the approval of Absalom. After it was decided they would not be following Ahithophel’s advice, he hung himself fearing that Absalom’s campaign would certainly fail. As we will find out, he was exactly right.