God Destroys Ahithophel’s Counsel

INTRODUCTION: Although things look bad for David at the beginning of this chapter, they begin to change. The key is found in verse 14 where the intent of the Lord is revealed. He plans to bring evil on Absalom; and to do so, He defeats the wise counsel of Ahithophel. We must learn to trust in the same Lord. If God be for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?

1. AHITHOPHEL COUNSELS TO ATTACK IMMEDIATELY (2 Samuel 17:1-4)
1. His Battle Plan (2 Samuel 17:1)
1. Let me choose 12,000 men.
2. I will arise and pursue after David this night.
2. His Simple Objective (2 Samuel 17:2)
1. David is weary and weak handed.
2. I will make him afraid.
3. The people that are with him shall flee.
4. I will smite the king only.
3. His Planned Result (2 Samuel 17:3)
1. I will bring all the people to you.
2. All the people shall be in peace.
4. His Welcomed Reception (2 Samuel 17:4)
1. The saying pleases Absalom well.
2. The saying pleases the elders of Israel.
2. HUSHAI COUNSELS TO GATHER ALL ISRAEL (2 Samuel 17:5-14)
1. Absalom Asks for Hushais Counsel (2 Samuel 17:5-6).
1. Absalom calls in Hushai the Archite (2 Samuel 17:5).
2. Absalom tells the plan of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:6).
2. Hushai Warns against Ahithophels Plan (2 Samuel 17:7-10).
1. Hushai rejects Ahithophels counsel at this time (2 Samuel 17:7).
2. The reasons for Hushais rejection (2 Samuel 17:8-10)
1. Davids men (2 Samuel 17:8)
1. They are mighty men.
2. They will be as a bear robbed of her whelps.
2. King David (2 Samuel 17:8-9)
1. He is a man of war (2 Samuel 17:8).
2. He will not lodge with the people (2 Samuel 17:8).
3. He is hid in some pit or some other place (2 Samuel 17:9).
3. The battle (2 Samuel 17:9-10)
1. The first deaths will bring rumors of defeat (2 Samuel 17:9).
2. The Israelites will melt in fear of David (2 Samuel 17:10).
3. Hushai Offers an Alternative Plan (2 Samuel 17:11-13).
1. Gather all Israel from Dan to Beersheba (2 Samuel 17:11).
2. Go into battle in thine own person (2 Samuel 17:11).
3. Totally destroy those who are with David (2 Samuel 17:12).
4. Destroy any city that dares receive him (2 Samuel 17:13).
4. Absalom Prefers the Counsel of Hushai (2 Samuel 17:14).
1. Absalom counts the counsel of Hushai as the best.
2. The Lord used this to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.
3. The Lord intends to bring evil on Absalom.
4. God will answer the prayer of David (2 Samuel 15:31).
3. HUSHAI SENDS WORD TO DAVID (2 Samuel 17:15-22)
1. Hushai Sends a Message to the Priests (2 Samuel 17:15-16).
1. Hushai tells Zadok and Abiathar (2 Samuel 17:15).
2. They send a message to David (2 Samuel 17:16).
1. Do not lodge this night in the plains.
2. Immediately pass over the Jordan.
2. The Sons of the Priests Take Word to David (2 Samuel 17:17-21).
1. Jonathan and Ahimaaz wait in En-rogel (2 Samuel 17:17).
1. To avoid being seen in the city
2. Awaiting messages from their fathers
2. They are discovered as they take the message (2 Samuel 17:18-20).
1. A lad sees them and sends word to Absalom (2 Samuel 17:18).
2. They hide in the well of a mans house in Bahurim (2 Samuel 17:18).
3. The woman covers the wells mouth and spreads corn there (2 Samuel 17:19).
4. The woman sends the servants of Absalom away (2 Samuel 17:20).
5. Absaloms servants cannot find them and return (2 Samuel 17:20).
3. They take the message to King David (2 Samuel 17:21).
1. They get the message to the king.
2. They tell the king to quickly cross the Jordan.
3. David and the People Pass over Jordan (2 Samuel 17:22).
1. David takes his people over the Jordan.
2. All have crossed the river by morning light.
4. BOTH SIDES PREPARE FOR BATTLE (2 Samuel 17:23-29)
1. Ahithophel Kills Himself (2 Samuel 17:23).
1. He sees that his counsel is not to be followed.
2. He returns to his city.
3. He puts his household in order.
4. He hangs himself and is buried.
5. NOTE: Ahithophel is a type of Judas. He betrays his friend. See Psalm 41:9; Psalm 55:12-15.
2. David and Absalom Take Their Places (2 Samuel 17:24-26).
1. David comes to Mahanaim (2 Samuel 17:24).
2. Absalom and his men cross the Jordan (2 Samuel 17:24).
3. Absalom appoints Amasa as captain of the host (2 Samuel 17:25).
1. The son of Ithra an Israelite
2. The husband of Abigail, sister to Zeruiah
3. An uncle to Joab
4. Israel and Absalom pitch in Gilead (2 Samuel 17:26).
3. David Receives Gifts from Friends (2 Samuel 17:27-29).
1. David is met by more friends (2 Samuel 17:27).
1. Shobi the son of Nahash of Ammon (compare 2 Samuel 10:1-2)
2. Machir of Lodebar (see 2 Samuel 9:3-4)
3. Barzillai the Gileadite (see 2 Samuel 19:31-40)
2. David receives needed provisions (2 Samuel 17:28-29).
3. Davids people feast in the wilderness (2 Samuel 17:29).

CONCLUSION: Though all visible signs seem to indicate that David is in trouble, the Lord is intervening on his behalf. The Lord defeats the counsel of Ahithophel and prepares a table for David in the presence of his enemies (Psalm 23:5).