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ABSALOM REIGNED AS DAVID PLOTTED A COME-BACK
MONDAY, AUGUST 31
2 Samuel 17

Hebrews 12:7-11

 

“If ye endure chastening, God dealeth
with you as with sons; for what son is

he whom the father chasteneth not?”

 

ABSALOM REIGNED AS DAVID PLOTTED A COME-BACK
 
Absalom was proclaimed king when he took Jerusalem. He had a sizable army that followed him. He formed a council of elders that advised him. Ahithophel was the chief counsellor. He counselled the new king on how he could capture David. Hushai was also a favoured counsellor. His counsel differed from Ahithophel’s and Absalom accepted Hushai’s counsel. Hushai used fear to convince Absalom. All the information was brought to David by appointed messengers. This marked the beginning of his success against the rebellious son.
 
The new “king” formed a council of elders to advise him: Ahithophel was already prominent among those close to Absalom. He was a leader in the council of elders that advised the new king after he switched allegiance to support Absalom. He was previously with David, but he joined the rebels. When Absalom was settled in the seat of governance, Ahithophel became his chief adviser. He wanted Absalom to succeed so that he would be in an influential position.
 
Ahithophel was the first one to advise the king on how to defeat David. In his first speech, he outlined his proposal before Absalom. He promised to lead men and smite David. He assumed that, in the absence of David, all the people would follow the new king. He thought that his plan would be successful. Scripture records that Ahithophel’s speech pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel. However, the new king was not entirely convinced by the saying of Ahithophel. He wanted a second opinion. Hushai was one of the chief counsellors of David and he had been sent on a spy mission to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. He was silent while Ahithophel spoke.
 
THOUGHT: Human decisions serve divine purposes.

PRAYER: Father, may my decisions always serve Thy good purposes.

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