2nd Samuel 17 COUNSELORS A bitter spirit has an effect on a lot of people and must be dealt with personally as soon as possible when we find it rising up in us. Ahithophel was determined that David must die right quickly and wanted to have an army of 12,000 to separate David from his men and only kill David. He believed all the others who followed David would come and follow Absalom. He may have known how to scheme and plan but he did not know how to discern nor judge people. Not every psychologist or counselor gives good advice. Ahithophel knew what David was like but he didn't know what Absalom was like, nor did he admit to the treachery of his own heart. It is a wise person who knows their own limitations and can discern between what is wise and right and what is vindictive. Perhaps his plan would have succeeded but David had prayed that God would turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness and God answered that prayer. Ahithophel knew that if his counsel wasn't followed, David would return as king. So, he hanged himself. Psalm 55 gives David's thoughts about Ahithophel and they are similar to as the Lord's thoughts about Judas Iscariot. To be betrayed by a friend is a devastating blow to a trusting heart.
Hushai on the other hand, was David's friend and he knew David well. He wanted David to have enough time to get far enough away to prepare for a battle that was bound to come. That battle would determine the leadership of the nation. His suggested plan was to overwhelm David and his followers with numbers, which would seem wise to people who do not take God into consideration. All Israel knew David and those who followed him to be mighty warriors who were not easily intimidated by opposing armies. It takes time to know people personally, not just by reputation. That is time well spent when we are involved in leading people or giving counsel. Hasty counsel often leads to hasty decisions and hasty failure. More than that, Hushai knew God was involved in the whole matter of this evil rebellion. The two priests, the woman who took the message to two messengers, and even the fact that they were hidden in a well for a time, all points to divine intervention on behalf of David. We should never take anything for granted when it comes to our service for the Lord. Opposition may come but even that is under divine control.
Absalom's ambition and self-centeredness overpowered his common sense and understanding of the situation in which he was found. Flattery is a tried and proven method of deception which he used without understanding those very things can be used against you. Vanity and self-exaltation will inevitably bring about a fall. "Pride goeth before a fall." People take advantage of those who believe they are superior to others. To think one's self to be great is to face the fact that "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble."
When Absalom and his army under the leadership of Amasa, one of David's nephews, both Absalom and Amasa may not have realized there were those who still acknowledged David as king. They supported him with food, shelter, beds and the needed utensils to keep an army of men ready to do battle. When we are willing to follow the Lord even though others choose to go a different way, we find there are others also who want to follow Him and are willing to do what is necessary to maintain the order of the kingdom of God in a biblical way. Not all counsel given will be popular to the Lord's people but it is our responsibility to listen to and act upon biblical counsel given by spiritual believers in Christ.