Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule:
2 Samuel 15-19
In 2 Samuel 17, Absalom consults Ahithophel and Hushai for advice on how to defeat David. Absalom rejects Ahithophel’s plan in favor of Hushai’s. Hushai then secretly passes word along to David, telling him how to avoid being defeated by Absalom.
Now that Absalom had taken possession of Jerusalem and assembled a team of top-level advisors, the next order of business was to come up with a plan to defeat David and his forces. As Absalom’s most trusted advisor, Ahithophel presented his plan first. Ahithophel’s plan consisted of four main points: (1) the assemblage of a large force – twelve thousand men;(2) a quick deployment – the group would set out that very night, when David’s group was weary and weak;(3) extreme intimidation that would terrorize David’s group and cause all the people with him to flee; and (4) a limited objective-strike down only the king.The plan was simple, quick, and relatively inexpensive. Because it would be carried out when David was distraught and his group was disorganized, it would almost certainly succeed. The plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel who had switched their loyalties to Absalom.
Absalom also summoned Hushai the Arkite before the group so they could hear what counsel he would give in this matter. Hushai was asked to react to Ahithophel’s plan and then present a better one, if he could. Hushai began by rebuffing Ahithophel’s advice. He gave four reasons for rejecting Ahithophel’s proposed course of action. First, David and his men were fighters, fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Second, David was an experienced and savvy fighter who would know better than to spend the night with the troops. Thus, any attempt to kill him would end in complete failure. Third, David and his troops might anticipate an early attack by Absalom, in which case they could attack Absalom’s troops first. Finally, the strength of David’s reputation as a fighter would circulate and cause the bravest soldier to melt with fear.
Ultimately, God was using this situation to expose the bitterness of Ahithophel’s heart and protect David as king. Absalom made a major mistake in judgment and it cost him his attempt at his coup and ultimately his life. At the end of this story, both Ahithophel and Absalom are dead and David is restored to his kingdom and throne.
Prayer Requests:
Personal
- Lord, please help me to remember rebellion never pays!
- Lord, please help me to be careful with the advice that I receive and acknowledge the long-term consequences for taking bad advice.
- Lord, please help me to find great comfort in knowing my God turns the heart of a king any way He wants.
Political
- Representative Kathy Crawford – District 038 – Novi
- Senator Kevin Daley – District 031 – Attica
- US Representative Debbie Dingell – District 12 – Dearborn