This verse from 2 Samuel 17:14 is a pivotal point in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” Ahithophel was renowned for his wise and strategically sound advice, almost universally considered infallible. He had previously served as David's advisor. However, in this instance, Absalom and his followers chose to follow the counsel of Hushai, David's loyal friend who was feigning allegiance to Absalom.
For Yahweh had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel... This is the most crucial part of the verse. It reveals that God was actively intervening in the situation. Ahithophel's advice, which would have been strategically sound and likely led to David's swift defeat, was intentionally disregarded.
...to the intent that Yahweh might bring evil on Absalom. The reason for God's intervention was to ultimately bring about Absalom's downfall. By leading Absalom to reject the better counsel and follow a course of action that would play into David's hands, God was setting the stage for Absalom's defeat and death.
In essence, this verse highlights:
Divine Providence: God is actively involved in human affairs, even in the midst of political intrigue and rebellion.
Reversal of Fortune: Ahithophel's wisdom, usually valued, is rendered useless.
Consequences of Rebellion: Absalom's rebellion against his father, David, a king chosen by God, is destined for failure and divine judgment.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality: Hushai's deception proves more effective than Ahithophel's honest (though treasonous) counsel because God is working through it.
The verse emphasizes that even though Absalom and his followers believed they were making a wise decision, they were unknowingly walking into a trap orchestrated by God to bring about their downfall. The verse also illustrates how people can make the wrong choice, even when the correct one is clearly presented, because of God's plan.
This verse from 2 Samuel 17:14 is a pivotal point in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” Ahithophel was renowned for his wise and strategically sound advice, almost universally considered infallible. He had previously served as David's advisor. However, in this instance, Absalom and his followers chose to follow the counsel of Hushai, David's loyal friend who was feigning allegiance to Absalom.
For Yahweh had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel... This is the most crucial part of the verse. It reveals that God was actively intervening in the situation. Ahithophel's advice, which would have been strategically sound and likely led to David's swift defeat, was intentionally disregarded.
...to the intent that Yahweh might bring evil on Absalom. The reason for God's intervention was to ultimately bring about Absalom's downfall. By leading Absalom to reject the better counsel and follow a course of action that would play into David's hands, God was setting the stage for Absalom's defeat and death.
In essence, this verse highlights:
Divine Providence: God is actively involved in human affairs, even in the midst of political intrigue and rebellion.
Reversal of Fortune: Ahithophel's wisdom, usually valued, is rendered useless.
Consequences of Rebellion: Absalom's rebellion against his father, David, a king chosen by God, is destined for failure and divine judgment.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality: Hushai's deception proves more effective than Ahithophel's honest (though treasonous) counsel because God is working through it.
The verse emphasizes that even though Absalom and his followers believed they were making a wise decision, they were unknowingly walking into a trap orchestrated by God to bring about their downfall. The verse also illustrates how people can make the wrong choice, even when the correct one is clearly presented, because of God's plan.