So Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring disaster on Absalom. 2 Samuel 17:14
The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai
Not all of David’s old friends have turned against him. He succeeds in placing Hushai an advisor in Absalom’s camp, who delays pursuit until David can raise an army from loyal Judah (16:15-17:29).
Ahithophel said to Absalom, … “I will come upon him while he is weary and weak, and make him afraid. And all the people who are with him will flee, and I will strike only the king.”
… Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring disaster on Absalom.
23 Now when Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he saddled a donkey, and arose and went home to his house, to his city. Then he put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died; and he was buried in his father’s tomb.
27 Now it happened, when David had come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the people of Ammon, Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, 28 brought beds and basins, earthen vessels and wheat, barley and flour, parched grain and beans, lentils and parched seeds, 29 honey and curds (butter), sheep and cheese of the herd, for David and the people who were with him to eat. For they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”
–> Ahithophel’s wise advice was not accepted by Absalom and his people because the Lord had purposed to defeat the good advice of him so that the Lord may bring disaster on Absalom. This shows futility of men’s efforts against the intent of God. David’s wisdom to trust God with everything is superior wisdom. His people were well provided even in the wilderness.
