Bible Strands
2 Samuel 16:23
Now in those days the advice of Ahithophel was like the consultation of the word of God. Such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator describes the political climate during Absalom’s public usurpation of David’s throne. The statement explains why Ahithophel’s strategic guidance held supreme authority over both the fleeing king and the rebel prince.
The words — עֵצָה (‘etzah) means “counsel” and יִשְׁאֵל (yish’el) means “to inquire.” The text states Ahithophel’s counsel was treated with the same authority as divine inquiry.
The thread — This dynamic appears when Absalom initially summons Ahithophel for support (2 Samuel 15:12), when his advice is ultimately rejected in favor of Hushai’s (2 Samuel 17:14), and when Ahithophel hangs himself after his counsel is ignored (2 Samuel 17:23).
Why it lands — The text records that human wisdom can command royal obedience, but it also sets up the narrative pivot where divine purpose overrides even the most respected human strategy. It asks the reader to observe how political influence functions independently of moral alignment.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.
Cross-references
- 2 Samuel 15:12 While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.
- 2 Samuel 17:14 Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.
- 2 Samuel 17:23 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 affairs in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.
- 1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”
- Numbers 27:21 He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.”
- 1 Samuel 30:8 and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.”
- Job 5:12 He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success.
- Job 28:28 And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
- Psalms 19:7 The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple.
- Psalms 28:2 Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.