2 Samuel 15:12

New International Version (NIV)

While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he also sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from Giloh, his hometown. And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept on increasing.

For Meditation

1. Some friend! Why did Ahithophel accept Prince Charming – Absalom’s – invitation to join in his insurrection against King David, his own father (2 Sam. 15:12)?
2. Wasn’t Ahithophel David’s close friend and confidant? Hadn’t David come to regard his counsel, “like that of one who inquires of God” (16:23)? So, how could a trusted friend like that turn coat to back Absalom against David?
3. Doesn’t it make you want to question Ahithophel’s loyalty in the first place? I mean, if he were a truly dedicated counsellor and friend to David, like Hushai was (15:32), wouldn’t he have been with David at his lowest point in life? Saul’s pursuit of David for years was bad enough, to say the least. But how could anyone describe the rebellion of one’s own beloved son? Is that not the time for a true friend and confidant to show some love?
4. Did Ahithophel have some issues with David? Did he see something in Absalom that made him think the young man could be a better king than his father? If so, isn’t it possible that Ahithophel had wished Absalom was king instead of David before the invitation from Hebron came? Otherwise, how could Ahithophel have so easily accepted to betray his friend, the King?
5. But, isn’t that how some friends are? Don’t they dine and share everything with you and yet, hold the dagger of treachery behind them, ready to strike at the least opportune time? Like Judas Iscariot with Jesus; do they not surprise even your worst enemies by their betrayal (Lk. 22:3-5)? But, what was the end of both Ahithophel (2 Sam. 17:23) and Judas (Matt. 27:5)?

I pray we realize how sore we become to those we consider friends, when we betray them (2 Sam. 17:31); but worst of all, to Jesus – if indeed we call Him Master and Friend.

So: May we not be Ahithophel to any of our friends – ever! But rather, may we be to them, “a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Prov. 18:24)” and “loves at all times” (17:17).

Shalom