It might not seem a big decision for Absalom to take the advice of one of his counsellors over another. But as soon as he does, the writing is on the wall for his rebel kingdom. He can’t see it. But Ahithophel can. Just as the devil himself knows he is doomed, so Ahithophel knows that the cause he has […]

Hushai’s advice is bad advice – for someone hoping to kill David. It’s deliberately designed to give David a chance to get a breather, and regroup. So why does Absalom ask him for advice in the first place? And why does he take it? It’s because of what we’re told at the end of verse 14: ‘For the LORD had […]

Ahithophel’s gives his second piece of advice at the beginning of chapter 17. He urges Absalom to let him gather 12,000 men and pursue David that very night when David is weary and discouraged. All he will need to do is attack David, and everyone else will panic. Once David is killed, the resistance to Absalom’s rule will be over. […]