Ahithophel: The Man who knew it all.

 

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    Ahithophel has always been painted as a villain; the bad guy who betrayed King David and supported his son Absalom in the rebellion to take the throne. We have even turned his story into a prayer point, rebuking every spirit of Ahithophel from our lives. It may be valid since no one wants the person who betrays them to get away with it or for the enemy’s plan to succeed. However, the Bible in 2^nd Samuel 16 verse 23 says “Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all Ahithophel’s advice.” He was wise, and his advice was always good so what made him a bad man?

I read an analysis of Ahithophel’s life describing him as a straight thinker, practical, extremely wise, and never opposed. His words commanded immediate action. When he betrayed David and supported his son, it possibly wasn’t a personal attack or emotional decision, it was a logical choice based on his calculations of the outcome of the events. The Bible says Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor so it can be assumed that he felt it was time to serve as counselor to a younger king which was better for the country. Though his first advice to Absalom was vile, (which revealed his hypocritical heart) he was giving a factual strategy that would sway the people and strengthen Absalom as king. But when Absalom whom he proudly supported, publicly rejected his counsel, Ahithophel didn’t know how to act, and the humiliation drove him to his death.

The Bible doesn’t give much detail apart from being the king’s advisor, a job he was clearly good at and had become his identity. So, when he felt he had failed, what else was there for him to do? Be a retired advisor to the king? How does that work? In what quarters would he be able to show his face? Since he felt that was the end of him, he went home and killed himself. The Bible in 2^nd Samuel 17 verse 23 says, “When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his house in order and then hanged himself. So, he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.” Another version says, “he set his affairs in order….” Even at the end of his life, Ahiphotel was practical, organized, and didn’t want anyone else in his dealings.

Something happened to me recently that completely bruised my ego, it was painful, and I saw myself recoil from any form of human interaction for the next few minutes. I even caught myself canceling everyone who had a part in the disgrace and how I would stay away from them forever. Thankfully, I have learned to listen to the Holy Spirit when he nudges or speaks so I felt it hard when he brought Ahithophel’s story to mind as I sulked.

At one point, you have been Ahithophel! If you are reading this then shame hasn’t driven you to end your life (which I thank God for) but how many times have you blown a little situation out of proportion because you were ashamed, or your ego was bruised? How many times have you walked away from a friendship, a partner, a deal, a client, or asking for what you want because you didn’t give a second chance to yourself, the situation, or the person? How often have you concluded that there is no recovery from your failure, and you have reached the end of the rope? How many times have you glorified your own wisdom, beauty, or talents, despising others for their lack of or when they questioned you? How many times have you been a weapon someone else had to pray against because you were oppressive with your power, or condescending?

Just like Ahithophel, the disgrace I faced was a case of pride that comes before a fall; I had convinced myself I knew too much, and in my overconfidence, I completely misunderstood what was being asked in a presentation and ended up talking nonsense. The truth is that when I calmed down, the situation wasn’t that bad, and I am glad I didn’t lash out at anyone. I knew it affected my demeanor – I went from being the person whose work was always accepted, who never made a mistake, to one who made a mistake publicly. In Nigerian parlance, it's over-kaku that almost killed me!

Ahithophel’s advice was not bad because the Bible said so. Hushai was sent to delay Absalom’s plans and not to kill anyone. Yes, God was fighting on David’s side and granted his petition to turn “Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness” (2^nd Samuel 15 verse 31) however Ahithophel finished the plan by killing himself because in his usual pragmatic approach, rejection + disgrace = death. Rabbinical literature captures Ahithophel as a proud man, this same pride that led him to his death.

Please learn to catch yourself whenever you desire to be the center or the one whose opinion stands. Not every straight-thinking process is a solution; be gentle with yourself and others. Jeremiah 9 verse 23 says “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches….” Ask The Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts, help you ‘mix’ grace in your intelligence, and give you godly wisdom (James 1 verse 5, James 3 verse 17).