2 Samuel 17:1-4
Verse 4 This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.
Now that he had made his point with David’s concubines Absalom listens to Ahithophel for further instruction on what to do to make David’s kingship a thing of the past. One thing should have brought up red flags for Absalom had he been thinking clearly, but he wasn’t. David’s son was acting out of revenge and hate.
From what Ahithophel is saying, David and his entourage haven’t been gone for very long, in fact, it may be within a day of him leaving Jerusalem. This shows us a bit of something about Ahithophel. While Absalom was the one to originally arrange their working relationship, Ahithophel seems to have his own reasons for making the relationship work.
Ahithophel had made a choice when he answered Absalom’s call to come to him. The king’s counselor could have denied his request and told the king what the younger man was up to, but he didn’t. He didn’t tell David where he was going and he didn’t tell him he had been summoned by the king’s son and now that he is in a position of advising the prince, it didn’t take him long to start advising Absalom in ways which would hurt David.
Ahithophel didn’t think they should wait to go after the king. If they went soon enough the king may still be tired from his journey. David was growing older but he wasn’t physically weak. He had still been going into battle in recent years and so for Ahithophel to imply they could overcome the king easily if they went quickly, was him affirming Absalom in taking over as king because his dad was past his prime.
We must also notice that Ahithophel is making it clear only the king should be killed. David needed to be done away with if this new kingdom under Absalom’s reign was to get off the ground. The advisor even goes to the point of saying the others will come back and accept Absalom as king if David was out of the picture. He was trying to get Absalom to believe the people who had left with David weren’t really all that devoted to him. This plan sounded good to ego driven Absalom, but notice it also seemed good to the elders of Israel.
Making It Personal
Have you ever rushed into a plan and later regretted it? Why is it dangerous to be too spontaneous with big decisions? What do you need to slow down in deciding and spend more time praying about?
Making It Personal Kids
Have you ever known someone who makes quick decisions and then get into trouble? Why is it better to make decisions after spending time praying about it? How can Jesus help you make wise decisions?
Closing Prayer
Father, forgive us for making hasty decisions. Give us the wisdom we need to make wise choices which will bring You great glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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