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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadPaul Kretzmann Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:15 - 16:23
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The Counsel of Ahithophel
v. 15. And Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, the men who had cast their lot with the rebellious son of David, and Ahithophel with him, the counselor who had turned traitor to David.
v. 16. And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, whom the king had persuaded to return to Jerusalem the better to serve his interests, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king, the double "May the king live" being intended to express his best wishes, since he does not state the name of the king to whom he refers.
v. 17. And Absalom, who was astonished and even suspicious at this greeting, said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? Why wentest thou not with thy friend? Hushai's relation to David had been a matter of common knowledge.
v. 18. And Hushai said unto Absalom, deliberately casting dust into his eyes, Nay; but whom the Lord and this people, those who had joined the cause of Absalom, and all the men of Israel, the entire nation, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide. He infers that the choice of the nation in this case is the choice of Jehovah.
v. 19. And again, his second reason, whom should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son? This idea he presented to Absalom as self-evident. As I have served in thy father's presence, before the face of thy father, so will I be in thy presence. This flattered and satisfied Absalom, vain as he was, immensely, for he felt that the best minds of the nation were now on his side.
v. 20. Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do. He was anxious to take some steps by which his authority would definitely be announced and secured.
v. 21. And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, in public carnal intercourse, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father, since the insult would be practically unforgivable and since the act, according to Oriental usage, would indicate actual dethronement of his father, since he would thereby take over his harem; then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong, they mould be greatly encouraged to decide in his favor.
v. 22. So they spread Absalom a tent, the tent commonly used as a protection against sun, wind, and rain, upon the top of the house, on the same roof where David's look at Bathsheba led him into the path of sin; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel, in an unspeakably filthy act, but one which fulfilled the words of Nathan against David, 2Sa_12:8.
v. 23. And the counsel of Ahithophel which he counseled in those days was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God, it was regarded and followed as if inspired by God Himself, a far too high estimate of any man's ability; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. Rebels who overthrow the order of God in rising against the government instituted by Him are very often the slaves of the most loathsome sins and vices, their hearts hardened against every influence for good.