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.

2 Samuel 15:12

For Meditation

1. Some friend! Why did Ahithophel join Absalom in his insurrection against King David, his father (2 Samuel 15:12)?
2. Wasn’t Ahithophel one of David’s closest friends and confidant? Didn’t David regard his counsel, “like that of one who inquires of God” (16:23)? So, how could a trusted friend like that become a turncoat against David?
3. Doesn’t it make Ahithophel’s loyalty questionable in the first place? If he were that dedicated a counselor and friend, why wasn’t he with David at his lowest point in life? 
4. Saul’s pursuit of David for years was bad enough. But the rebellion of his beloved son? Was that not the time for his loyal friend and confidant to show some love?
5. Did Ahithophel have some issues with David? Or did he see a better king in Absalom than his father? Either way, Ahithophel was a hypocrite. Otherwise, how could he have accepted to betray his friend with such ease?
6. But isn’t that how some friends are? Are there not friends who dine with you, but with a hidden dagger to stab you at the least opportunity? Are they not like Judas Iscariot with Jesus (Luke 22:3-5)? 
7. But what was the end of both Ahithophel (2 Sam. 17:23) and Judas (Matt. 27:5)? Should that not be a warning to friends like them?

I pray we do not become like Ahithophel to anybody, but especially not to Jesus if we call Him Master and Friend. 

So, may we be “a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24) and “loves at all times” (17:17).

Shalom.