Michiana Covenant Presbyterian Church

We heard at the end of chapter 16 that Ahithophel's counsel was esteemed as the word of God. When Ahithophel speaks, kings listen. Ahithophel, the grandfather of Bathsheba, was the wisest counselor in Israel. He apparently sought revenge for how David had treated his granddaughter's husband, Uriah. And now he comes to Absalom and asks for the honor of getting his revenge personally. Ahithophel's counsel is terse, clear, and pointed: Let me choose 12,000 men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight. (This is still the same day that David has left–the same day that Absalom came to Jerusalem - the same day that Absalom slept with David's concubines before all Israel.) I will come upon him while he is weary and discouraged and throw him into a panic, and all the people who are with him will flee. I will strike down only the king, and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride comes home to her husband. You seek the life of only one man, and all the people will be at peace. The death of one man will brin