Day 145 – 2 Samuel 16:13-23
Scripture Review
2 Samuel 16:13-23
"And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust."
(2 Samuel 16:13)
David and his men continue down the road and Shimei continues along the hillside across from them, cursing, throwing stones, and casting dust.
"And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there."
(2 Samuel 16:14)
David has been betrayed by his son, cursed by Shimei, followed by grieving people, and driven from Jerusalem.
"And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him."
(2 Samuel 16:15)
Now the scene changes. David is weary in the wilderness while Absalom is entering the city. The rebel son looks strong. The rightful king looks weak. Sin has turned the house upside down. I also notice Ahithophel beside Absalom. David had prayed for the LORD to turn Ahithophel's counsel into foolishness. Now the man known for wise counsel is standing with the rebellion.
"And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king."
(2 Samuel 16:16)
Hushai, David's friend, is doing what he asked him to do. He has gone back into Jerusalem to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. He appears before Absalom like a supporter, but his loyalty is still with David.
"And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?"
(2 Samuel 16:17)
Absalom knows Hushai was David's friend, so he asks why Hushai did not go with David. Absalom is not foolish here. He is testing him. He wants to know whether Hushai's loyalty has truly changed or whether something else is happening.
"And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide."
(2 Samuel 16:18)
Hushai's answer is very well thought out. He says he will abide with the one whom the LORD, the people, and the men of Israel choose.
"And again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence."
(2 Samuel 16:19)
Hushai says, in effect, "Should I not serve the son as I served the father?" This sounds reasonable to Absalom. Hushai is giving him enough to trust him. But I know Hushai is there because David sent him.
"Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do."
(2 Samuel 16:20)
Absalom turns to Ahithophel for advice. Now that he is in Jerusalem, he wants to know the next move. Absalom has stolen the hearts of the people, entered Jerusalem, and now wants counsel to strengthen his position.
"And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong."
(2 Samuel 16:21)
Ahithophel gives wicked counsel by telling Absalom to go in unto all the women David had left to keep the house. Ahithophel wants all Israel to know that Absalom has broken completely with David. He says this will strengthen the hands of those following Absalom. This is terrible counsel because it uses sin to make rebellion stronger. It tries to make reconciliation impossible.
"So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel."
(2 Samuel 16:22)
And as I read this, I remember what Nathan had told David, what David did secretly would be answered openly. David's sin with Bathsheba was done in secret, but now shame comes upon his own house in public view. What David sowed in secret now brings sorrow in the open.
"And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom."
(2 Samuel 16:23)
From that day forward Ahithophel's counsel was highly regarded. His advice was treated as if someone had enquired at the oracle of God. Both David and Absalom had listened to him. That makes this even worse than it sounds. This was not a foolish man talking foolishly. This was a wise man using his wisdom for a wicked purpose.