What is happening when Absalom and all Israel come to Jerusalem?

At this point, David has already left Jerusalem because Absalom has turned many hearts in Israel toward himself and declared himself king. When it says Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, it shows that he now takes over the capital city without a fight. David’s trusted adviser Ahithophel is with Absalom, which makes the revolt look strong. This scene marks the moment when Absalom acts as if he is the ruler in David’s place and begins to seek and follow his own counsel instead of David’s leadership.

Why does Hushai say "God save the king" to Absalom?

Hushai greets Absalom with the words, “God save the king, God save the king,” which can sound like he is fully supporting Absalom as king. But Hushai is actually David’s friend who has stayed behind to help frustrate Absalom’s plans. His words are deliberately vague. He can say them as a loyal subject of the true king, David, while Absalom hears them as support for himself. Hushai uses careful, double-edged language so Absalom will trust him and let him stay close as an adviser.

Why does Hushai say he will serve the one the Lord and the people choose?

When Absalom questions Hushai’s loyalty, Hushai answers that he will serve the one whom the Lord and the people choose. On the surface, Absalom takes this as a promise to serve him as king. But the description fits David better, since God had clearly chosen and anointed David, and all Israel had once stood with him. Hushai speaks in a way that can be heard in two directions. Outwardly he appears loyal to Absalom, but in his heart he remains faithful to David and is working to help him.

Who is Ahithophel, and why was his counsel so respected?

Ahithophel is described as a leading adviser who had served in David’s court and then joins Absalom’s side. People thought his advice was as reliable as asking at the oracle of God. That means his plans usually seemed wise and often succeeded, so both David and Absalom had trusted him. Yet here his counsel is deeply sinful. This shows that a person can be very sharp in worldly matters and still be far from God’s ways. It also warns against treating any human adviser as if their word were equal to God’s word.

Why did Ahithophel tell Absalom to sleep with David’s concubines?

Ahithophel’s advice is that Absalom should sleep with David’s concubines whom David left to care for the house. This sin is very serious, but Ahithophel gives it as a political move. First, it shows everyone that Absalom is fully taking his father’s place and claiming all that belonged to him. Second, it makes peace between Absalom and David almost impossible, so Absalom’s followers will feel safer, thinking there is no going back. In giving this counsel, Ahithophel is pushing Absalom deeper into open rebellion.

Why did Absalom sleep with David’s concubines on the rooftop?

Absalom follows Ahithophel’s plan and has a tent put up on the roof of the palace. There he goes in to his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel, meaning the act is openly known and meant to be public. This is not just private lust, but a statement of defiance and control. It also fulfills God’s earlier warning that, because of David’s own sin with another man’s wife, his wives would be taken and shamed in front of others. So Absalom’s act shows both his rebellion and God’s judgment on David’s house.

What does it mean that Ahithophel’s counsel was like inquiring at the oracle of God?

The passage says that in those days Ahithophel’s counsel was treated as if a man had asked at the oracle of God. This does not mean he actually spoke God’s words. It means people trusted his political and practical advice so much that they were almost sure it would work, just as they would trust a direct word from God. Both David and Absalom had this high view of him. The story shows, though, that when such a person gives wicked counsel, following it leads into sin and, in the end, to loss and shame.

What does this passage show about sin and God’s judgment in David’s family?

This passage shows how sin spreads and brings painful results. David’s earlier sin with another man’s wife had brought a warning that his own wives would later be taken in public shame. Here that word comes true through Absalom’s actions. Absalom’s rebellion, his hatred toward his father, and his public sin with the concubines all reveal how broken the family has become. At the same time, God is not mocked. Even as wicked people seem to succeed for a while, their choices fit into God’s just plans.

How can this story about Absalom and false counsel apply to us today?

This story warns us about where we look for guidance and what kind of advice we follow. Absalom trusts skilled human advisers but does not seek God. Ahithophel’s plan looks clever but pushes him into deep sin. Hushai’s words show that not everyone around us is fully honest, even when they sound loyal. Today, it reminds us to test counsel by God’s standards, not just by what seems smart or popular, and to remember that sin, especially against family and against God’s ways, has real and painful consequences.

2Sam.16.15

2 Samuel 16:15

KJV

¶ And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.

The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai

Cross References

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