Absalom’s overconfidence

At that time in Israel, the two most highly regarded advisors (strategists) were Hushai and Ahithophel. Absalom brought both of them under his command. He probably felt that with these two by his side, his throne was secure. However, those who place their trust in people will inevitably be disappointed. (1) Among those who welcomed Absalom as he entered Jerusalem was Hushai. Absalom looked at him with suspicion and asked why he had not left the city along with David. (2) Hushai replied that since Absalom was the rightful heir to the throne, he would show him the same loyalty he had once shown to David. (3) Absalom accepted this explanation at face value. Moreover, Ahithophel, his trusted advisor, was unable to see through Hushai’s cunning strategy.

The advice of Ahithophel

Upon entering Jerusalem, Absalom sought counsel from Ahithophel about what to do next. (1) Ahithophel advised him to sleep with David’s concubines. This would destroy the relation between father and son and would solidify the resolve of Absalom’s followers. (2) Absalom set up a tent on the roof of the palace and, in broad daylight, slept with his father’s concubines. In the ancient Near East, it was customary for a new king to inherit the former king’s harem. (3) However, for Israel, God’s chosen people, this was a shameful act. Leviticus 18:8 forbids such behavior. At the same time, it was also the fulfillment of the prophecy of judgment given to David by the prophet Nathan, who had foretold this day (12:11-12). At that time, Ahithophel’s advice was regarded as though it were a divine oracle. However, his counsel was actually wicked and devilish, while Hushai’s counsel was intentionally foolish. Absalom should have knelt before the ark of God and sought wisdom from the Lord, but he relied on the foolish advice of men. Therein lay his folly. What can you learn from Absalom’s foolishness?