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Ahithophel’s advice

2 Samuel 16:15-23 (JDV)

2 Samuel 16:15 Absalom and all the Israelites came to Jerusalem and Ahithophel was with him.
2 Samuel 16:16 When David’s friend Hushai the Archite came to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”
2 Samuel 16:17 “Is this your loyalty to your friend?” Absalom asked Hushai. “Why didn’t you go with your friend?”
2 Samuel 16:18 “Not at all,” Hushai answered Absalom. “I am on the side of the one that Yahveh, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen. I will stay with him.
2 Samuel 16:19 Furthermore, whom will I serve if not his son? As I served in your father’s presence, I will also serve in yours.”
2 Samuel 16:20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me your advice. What should we do?”
2 Samuel 16:21 Ahithophel replied to Absalom, “Sleep with your father’s concubines whom he left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become repulsive to your father, everyone with you will be encouraged.”
2 Samuel 16:22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.
2 Samuel 16:23 Now the advice Ahithophel gave in those days was like someone asking about a word from God — such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice.

Ahithophel’s advice

Ahithophel’s advice was designed to make Absalom repulsive to his father. Many advise this generation to do things and allow things that were unheard of for society in the past. Should we do it? Should we cast off all restraint? Keep reading. Sometimes the popular advice is terribly wrong.