2 samuel 16:21 - Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines that he has left to keep the house. Then all Israel will hear that you are abhorred by your father. Then the hands of all who are with you will be strong.”
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What does "2 samuel 16:21" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 16:21 describes a strategic piece of advice given by Ahithophel to Absalom during Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Let's break down the meaning:
Context: Absalom has successfully seized Jerusalem and is in the process of consolidating his power. Ahithophel was David's former trusted advisor who had defected to Absalom's side. His advice is crucial for Absalom's success.
"Go in to your father's concubines that he has left to keep the house": This is the key part of Ahithophel's advice. It means Absalom should have sexual relations with his father's concubines (secondary wives) in a public and visible way.
"Then all Israel will hear that you are abhorred by your father": Publicly sleeping with David's concubines was a symbolic act of usurpation and defiance. It was a way of saying, "I have completely taken over my father's authority and kingdom." It would demonstrate a complete and irreconcilable break between father and son. By defiling David's household, Absalom was declaring himself the new king and humiliating David.
"Then the hands of all who are with you will be strong": This means that by this shocking act, Absalom would solidify the loyalty of his followers. Seeing Absalom take such a drastic and irreversible step against his father would convince them that Absalom was fully committed to the rebellion and would fight to the end. It would remove any doubt about his intentions and strengthen their resolve to support him. This act was also intended to make it impossible for Absalom to reconcile with his father David. It would burn the bridges between them, preventing the chance of David regaining power.
In summary, Ahithophel was suggesting a scandalous and shocking act that would:
Publicly and symbolically usurp David's authority.
Demonstrate an irreversible break between Absalom and his father, David.
Strengthen the resolve and loyalty of Absalom's followers by showing his absolute commitment to the rebellion.
It's important to note that this advice was morally reprehensible and shocking, even in that time. It was a deliberate act of humiliation and desecration, designed to achieve a political goal.
2 samuel 16:21 - Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines that he has left to keep the house. Then all Israel will hear that you are abhorred by your father. Then the hands of all who are with you will be strong.”
What does "2 samuel 16:21" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 16:21 describes a strategic piece of advice given by Ahithophel to Absalom during Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Let's break down the meaning:
Context: Absalom has successfully seized Jerusalem and is in the process of consolidating his power. Ahithophel was David's former trusted advisor who had defected to Absalom's side. His advice is crucial for Absalom's success.
"Go in to your father's concubines that he has left to keep the house": This is the key part of Ahithophel's advice. It means Absalom should have sexual relations with his father's concubines (secondary wives) in a public and visible way.
"Then all Israel will hear that you are abhorred by your father": Publicly sleeping with David's concubines was a symbolic act of usurpation and defiance. It was a way of saying, "I have completely taken over my father's authority and kingdom." It would demonstrate a complete and irreconcilable break between father and son. By defiling David's household, Absalom was declaring himself the new king and humiliating David.
"Then the hands of all who are with you will be strong": This means that by this shocking act, Absalom would solidify the loyalty of his followers. Seeing Absalom take such a drastic and irreversible step against his father would convince them that Absalom was fully committed to the rebellion and would fight to the end. It would remove any doubt about his intentions and strengthen their resolve to support him. This act was also intended to make it impossible for Absalom to reconcile with his father David. It would burn the bridges between them, preventing the chance of David regaining power.
In summary, Ahithophel was suggesting a scandalous and shocking act that would:
Publicly and symbolically usurp David's authority.
Demonstrate an irreversible break between Absalom and his father, David.
Strengthen the resolve and loyalty of Absalom's followers by showing his absolute commitment to the rebellion.
It's important to note that this advice was morally reprehensible and shocking, even in that time. It was a deliberate act of humiliation and desecration, designed to achieve a political goal.