Take Two: 2 Samuel 17, Proverbs 4
This chapter offers the narrative of how David’s “spy” performed his task. Ahithophel, the chief counselor to Absalom counseled him to attack David immediately, with overwhelming force, and kill him only. Doing so, would result in the regathering of the people who had departed with David (vv.1-4). Absalom was pleased with the plan but decided to get Hushai’s counsel as well. Hushai masterfully contradicted Ahithophel’s plan and convinced the king to undertake a larger, more aggressive campaign that would result in David’s destruction…along with that of all of his follower. He convinced the king…primarily by playing on his fears (vv.5-14). God used Hushai’s advice to ultimately bring about Absalom’s demise (i.e. which is another example of the author’s thesis that God is absolutely sovereign over all events.)
Hushai sent word to David of the coming attack and this resulted in David’s escape…which was the plan all along.
Observations: Someone correctly noted the contrast between Absalom’s approach to decision making and David’s. At all of David’s major successes, he sought counsel from God. Absalom is presented as seeking advice from human counselors. I imagine he would argue that these “counselors” were his way of discerning God’s will…but the author does not communicate that. There are many times when we act according to the best, most logical, most rationale, most reasonable strategies…only to fail because we acted without God’s direction. ULTIMATELY, in the life of a Christ follower, the only instruction we must always count on and adhere to is the instruction from God. It is unreasonable to cross a sea, cross a river in flood stage, march around a city waiting on walls to fall down, trust in an untrained itinerant rabbi’s teachings over those of the best of the Temple’s priests…but that is precisely what we are commanded to do. It is unreasonable to “turn the other cheek, walk two miles when one is commanded, and give ourselves to a mission without any backup plan…but this is precisely the call on the believer’s life.
It is also good to realize that God was working in all of the details of this narrative to bring about a swift conclusion to the rebellion of Absalom. God’s plan will not be thwarted. God is not reacting to our decisions. He is sovereign. His plan is Agenda A, B, and C. Period.
In v.23, we see that Ahithophel takes his own life. Likely he realizes that he has lost position and that if/when David returns, he will be executed as a traitor to the king. So, he commits suicide.
In vv.27-29, we see God’s gracious provision for David and his people. God worked through willing sympathizers to provide the resources to sustain His people in their difficulty. God sustains you and I as well. Sometimes miraculously. Sometimes through the common things that can be explained. Never miss it though. It is God who provides and sustains.
Proverbs 4:10 is the takeaway today. “Hear, my son, and accept my sayings and the years of your life will be many.” The formula for a blessed life…one that truly is a reward for us…is to hear and accept the wisdom of God. Accept His instruction as if it were all that we could ever rely on. Trust it. Love it.
