“For the Lord had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring calamity on Absalom.” 2 Samuel 17:14b
As we read in Chapter 12, David’s Sin would have consequences. One of them was the promise that “the sword shall never depart from your house”. As time went on, we see a series of events where this came to be; Amnon’s Lust and raping of Tamar, Absalom’s sister; Absalom’s murder of Amnon and flight to Geshur; his return home and eventual Insurrection. Though many years passed before this came about, it did finally come, and with it, the betrayal of one of David’s top Advisors!
Yesterday we are told, “The advice of Ahithophel was as if one inquired of the word of God”. Instead of advising David on how to combat his son, this gifted Counselor was now helping overthrow him. We read as well, when David heard that he had joined Absalom, he prayed “make the counsel of Ahithophel foolishness”. In Today’s Reading, we see the answer to that prayer. Consider 2 things:
1. God Uses Means! We are told Ahithophel’s counsel was “good”. Remember, Absalom had grown up knowing and seeing Ahithophel being used to Counsel his father. Now he had given him this “good counsel”. Had Absalom heeded it, David might have been killed. But David Prayed and God answered his prayer! 2. God is Sovereign! Though God allowed Absalom to hear this Wise Advice, He was also working Sovereignly in his heart; He caused it to reject one counsel over another’s. Lesson? God is Sovereign, and, God answers Prayer!!!