In our Bible study this week, we looked at how the advice of two men (Ahithophel and Hushai) proved decisive in the battle between Absalom (son of David) and David. Ahithophel was well regarded by both the king and his rebellious son (2 Sam 16:23), and his advice to Absalom – to take David’s ten concubines and sleep with them as a clear demonstration of his intention to rule and to let an army attack David while he did this – was both shrewd and probably would have been the key to success if followed. Hushai, sent back to Jerusalem as a spy, managed to offer alternative advice which gave David more chance of regrouping and which undermined Ahithophel. God was clearly at work in this situation, frustrating Ahithophel’s advice and paving the way to David’s success.
This episode reminds us that God is in control, even when we don’t understand what is going on around us. Prov 21:30 reminds us that ‘there is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord’; Rom 8:28 tells us that God works for good in every situation. Naturally speaking, Absalom could have overcome David and become the next king of Israel, but this was not God’s will. Even though David had sinned, God was merciful to Him and fulfilled His word to him. The tide was about to turn.
Sadly, Ahithophel did not know God as well as David did, for he failed to repent and turn back to Him for mercy. Instead, he kills himself, being firmly assured that Absalom will now fail and that he has no chance of restoration. He reminds us of Judas, who betrayed Jesus and was filled only with remorse and not repentance, whereas Peter, who denied Jesus, was able to repent and be restored. God is the God of second chances. It’s not wise to work against Him; no one can thwart His plans! (Job 42:2)