2 Samuel 16

The Advice of Hushai and Ahithophel (16:15–23)

15–19 Absalom and his advisor Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:12) arrived in Jerusalem at the same time David’s friend Hushai arrived (2 Samuel 15:32,37). Hushai at once went to Absalom and said, “Long live the king” (verse 16). Of course, in his own mind Hushai was thinking of King David!

Absalom chided Hushai for leaving his friend David (verse 17). But Hushai said that he was determined to serve the one chosen by the LORD (verse 18). Again Absalom assumed that Hushai was talking about him; but, in fact, Hushai knew that only David had been chosen by the Lord. Hushai’s ambiguous statements accomplished his purpose; without telling a lie, he gained the confidence of Absalom.

20–23 First Absalom asked for Ahithophel’s advice concerning how best to secure David’s throne. Ahithophel told Absalom to take David’s concubines and lay with them in public view—in the sight of all Israel (verse 22). It was customary for a new king to take possession of the former king’s wives; doing so demonstrated that the new king had firmly seized power for himself. This act would help convince the people of Jerusalem that David’s reign was truly over and that now they should side with Absalom; they would see that the break between David and Absalom was now complete.

So Absalom lay with the ten concubines David had left to take care of his palace (2 Samuel 15:16). He did this on the palace roof in plain sight, and thus Nathan’s earlier prophecy spoken to David was fulfilled (see 2 Samuel 12:11).

This time Hushai did not oppose Ahithophel’s advice; the taking of David’s concubines was not going to significantly affect David’s chances of regaining his throne. Even though Ahithophel’s advice in this matter was surely ungodly, people considered his advice to be like that of one who inquires of God (verse 23). As we shall see in the next chapter, Hushai was about to change people’s opinion of Ahithophel’s advice!