Comparing the counsel and motives of Hushai and Ahithophel as provided to King David. 510-2 - 14 - 4

Ahithophel had been a trusted adviser to King David, however, he also was the grandfather of Bathsheba. After King David fled the capital Ahithophel sided with Absalom likely to avenge the perceived disgrace David had brought upon Bathsheba and the murder of Bathsheba's husband Uriah.

King David had a friend Hushai who had asked to accompany him on his flight from Absalom. David recruited Hushai to undermine Ahithophel’s effectiveness with Absalom by returning to Jerusalem and attaching himself to Absalom’s court as a counselor. Hushai was to contradict the advice of Ahithophel and to report Absalom’s plans to Zadok and Abiathar whose sons Jonathan and Ahimaaz would then relay them to David.

Ahithophel gave Absalom good advice. The first advice from Ahithophel was for Absalom to lie with his father’s concubines, as evidence of his succession. Absalom did so in a very public manner.

Would the fact that the concubines were not King David's wives negate Leviticus 20:11, "And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them." Ultimately Absalom was killed after catching his hair in a tree limb and hanging midair, killed by the terrain, the hand of God? The 10 concubines were segregated in their own palace and lived as widows.

Ahithophel recommended that Absalom should delegate the responsibility of defeating David to him.  Ahithophel would pursue David, make a rapid conquest, kill David and bring David’s disheartened followers back to Jerusalem.

Hushai’s advice to Absalom was 180 degrees removed from that of Ahithophel. Hushai suggested that David and his men would be ready for battle and fight like “a cornered bear: like a wild bear whose cubs have been stolen, the king, Hushai said, would be enraged over the loss of his kingdom.” To move against David would be premature, rather Absalom should wait until he could assemble a huge army and then attack.

Hushai also warned David about Ahithophel’s advice to Absalom through the sons of Zadok and Abiathar advising David to hasten his flight.

The advice of Ahithophel was brilliant as David was only miles from Jerusalem with his forces in disarray and without food and ammunition. Thankfully, Absalom took Hushai’s advice.

Meanwhile, Hushai’s messengers, Jonathan and Ahimaaz, were spotted on their way to warn David to hurry. A woman hid them in a well and when asked if she had seen them she said, “They be gone over the brook of water.” The men looking for Jonathan and Ahimaaz gave up the search and returned to Jerusalem. Rather reminiscent of Joshua and Caleb, once more the hand of God.

King David had an unconditional covenant with God so regardless of whose advice Absalom might take, God would protest him.