“The advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one inquired of the word of God;” 2 Samuel 16:23
As we read through the Old Testament Stories, we are introduced to that Individual know as “Counselor”. We don’t know if it was an official position among the King’s Cabinet, if every King had one, or what their Name might have been; but we are told about David’s. In Chapter 15, we have this Statement: “Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor”.
What I find interesting, though King, and definitely in a position to think and act independent of anyone else, David had a Counselor. We’re not told this about Saul, or Subsequent Kings, but we are told this explicitly of David. There is much about David that stands out when we take time to look. And, perhaps this is why Solomon years later would write “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed” and “For by wise guidance you will wage war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory”. Interesting, isn’t it?
So what Lesson stands out from this Story of Ahithophel? Wise, Shrewd, and Insightful Counselors may be helpful, but if they are not Godly Christians…then Beware!!! One minute they may be your Friend, the next, your Enemy. This man, who once counseled King David, now was the advisor of insurrectionist Absalom. This one, who spoke as it were “the word of God”, would end up committing suicide after being spurned by his new King. May God help us to choose our Counselors well!