2 samuel 16:23 - The counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man inquired at the inner sanctuary of God. So was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.
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What does "2 samuel 16:23" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 16:23 is highlighting the immense wisdom and perceived infallibility of Ahithophel's advice. Let's break down what it means:
"The counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days..." This sets the scene, referring to the advice that Ahithophel, a highly respected counselor, was providing during a tumultuous period.
"...was as if a man inquired at the inner sanctuary of God." This is the key part of the verse. The "inner sanctuary" (also often translated as "oracle of God") was the most sacred place within the Tabernacle or Temple, believed to be where God's presence was most directly felt. Inquiring there was the ultimate way to seek divine guidance and receive an authoritative, unarguable answer. This simile suggests that Ahithophel's advice was considered so wise and accurate that it was equivalent to receiving direct instruction from God. People trusted it implicitly.
"So was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom." This reinforces the idea that Ahithophel's reputation for impeccable wisdom was well-established and consistent. He had been a trusted advisor to David, and now, even after defecting to Absalom's rebellion, his advice was still considered exceptionally insightful and reliable.
In essence, the verse is saying:
Ahithophel was seen as an unparalleled source of wisdom. People regarded his advice as being so profound and correct that it was as good as getting a direct revelation from God. This reputation held true for both David and Absalom, demonstrating how highly he was valued and the influence he wielded.
Significance:
Ahithophel's Importance: The verse highlights the pivotal role Ahithophel played in the political landscape. He was not just an advisor, but a kingmaker, whose counsel could heavily influence decisions.
Tragedy: It also underscores the tragedy of his betrayal of David and his eventual suicide. The loss of such wisdom and insight was significant.
Contrast: The verse sets the stage for understanding the impact of Hushai's eventual counter-advice to Absalom (2 Samuel 17). The narrative will show that even divinely-inspired counsel, like Ahithophel's, can be overturned.
In short, this verse portrays Ahithophel as a man of extraordinary wisdom, whose counsel was so highly regarded that it was akin to divine guidance. This reputation gave him immense power and influence, making his defection and demise all the more impactful on the story.
2 samuel 16:23 - The counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man inquired at the inner sanctuary of God. So was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.
What does "2 samuel 16:23" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 16:23 is highlighting the immense wisdom and perceived infallibility of Ahithophel's advice. Let's break down what it means:
"The counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days..." This sets the scene, referring to the advice that Ahithophel, a highly respected counselor, was providing during a tumultuous period.
"...was as if a man inquired at the inner sanctuary of God." This is the key part of the verse. The "inner sanctuary" (also often translated as "oracle of God") was the most sacred place within the Tabernacle or Temple, believed to be where God's presence was most directly felt. Inquiring there was the ultimate way to seek divine guidance and receive an authoritative, unarguable answer. This simile suggests that Ahithophel's advice was considered so wise and accurate that it was equivalent to receiving direct instruction from God. People trusted it implicitly.
"So was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom." This reinforces the idea that Ahithophel's reputation for impeccable wisdom was well-established and consistent. He had been a trusted advisor to David, and now, even after defecting to Absalom's rebellion, his advice was still considered exceptionally insightful and reliable.
In essence, the verse is saying:
Ahithophel was seen as an unparalleled source of wisdom. People regarded his advice as being so profound and correct that it was as good as getting a direct revelation from God. This reputation held true for both David and Absalom, demonstrating how highly he was valued and the influence he wielded.
Significance:
Ahithophel's Importance: The verse highlights the pivotal role Ahithophel played in the political landscape. He was not just an advisor, but a kingmaker, whose counsel could heavily influence decisions.
Tragedy: It also underscores the tragedy of his betrayal of David and his eventual suicide. The loss of such wisdom and insight was significant.
Contrast: The verse sets the stage for understanding the impact of Hushai's eventual counter-advice to Absalom (2 Samuel 17). The narrative will show that even divinely-inspired counsel, like Ahithophel's, can be overturned.
In short, this verse portrays Ahithophel as a man of extraordinary wisdom, whose counsel was so highly regarded that it was akin to divine guidance. This reputation gave him immense power and influence, making his defection and demise all the more impactful on the story.