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2 Samuel 16:17
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The Advice of Ahithophel

15 Meanwhile aAbsalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem; and Ahithophel was with him.  
16 And so it was, when Hushai the Archite, aDavid’s friend, came to Absalom, that bHushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”  
17 So Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? aWhy did you not go with your friend?”  
18 And Hushai said to Absalom, “No, but whom the Lord and this people and all the men of Israel choose, his I will be, and with him I will remain.
19 Furthermore, awhom should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son? As I have served in your father’s presence, so will I be in your presence.”  
20 Then Absalom said to aAhithophel, “Give advice as to what we should do.”  
21 And Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s aconcubines, whom he has left to keep the house; and all Israel will hear that you bare abhorred by your father. Then cthe hands of all who are with you will be strong.”  
Commentaries:
Matthew Henry
<< 2 Samuel 16:16   2 Samuel 16:18 >>


2 Samuel 16:1-23

Ziba's falsehood. (1-4) David cursed by Shimei. (5-14) Ahithophel's counsel. (15-23)

Verses 1-4 Ziba belied Mephibosheth. Great men ought always to be jealous of flatterers, and to be careful that they hear both sides.

Verses 5-14 David bore Shimei's curses much better than Ziba's flatteries; by these he was brought to pass a wrong judgment on another, by those to pass a right judgment on himself: the world's smiles are more dangerous than its frowns. Once and again David spared Saul's life, while Saul sought his. But innocence is no defence against malice and falsehood; nor are we to think it strange, if we are charged with that which we have been most careful to keep ourselves from. It is well for us, that men are not to be our judges, but He whose judgment is according to truth. See how patient David was under this abuse. Let this remind us of Christ, who prayed for those who reviled and crucified him. A humble spirit will turn reproaches into reproofs, and get good from them, instead of being provoked by them. David the hand of God in it, and comforts himself that God would bring good out of his affliction. We may depend upon God to repay, not only our services, but our sufferings.

Verses 15-23 The wisest counsellors of that age were Ahithophel and Hushai: Absalom thinks himself sure of success, when he has both; on them he relies, and consults not the ark, though he had that with him. But miserable counsellors were they both. Hushai would never counsel him to do wisely. Ahithophel counselled him to do wickedly; and so did as effectually betray him, as he did, who was designedly false to him: for they that advise men to sin, certainly advise them to their hurt. After all, honesty is the best policy, and will be found so in the long run. Ahithophel gave wicked counsel to Absalom; to render himself so hateful to his father, that he would never be reconciled to him; this cursed policy was of the devil. How desperately wicked is the human heart!


 
<< 2 Samuel 16:16   2 Samuel 16:18 >>

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