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

Some friend!

Why did Ahithophel accept Prince Charming—Absalom’s—invitation to join him in his insurrection against King David, his father (2 Sam. 15:12)?

Wasn’t Ahithophel David’s close friend and confidant? Didn’t David consider his counsel “like that of one who inquires of God” (16:23)? So, how could Ahithophel betray David by joining the insurrection of Absalom?

Does it not interrogate the loyalty of Ahithophel in the first place? I mean, if he were a genuine and dedicated counselor and friend to David, wouldn’t he have been with David at his lowest point in life?

Saul’s pursuit of David for years was bad enough. But how could David perceive the rebellion of his beloved son? Is that not the right time for a best friend and confidant to show some love?

Is it farfetched to assume that Ahithophel may have had some issues with David? If so, is it not possible that Ahithophel was looking for an opportunity to harm David before Absalom invited him to his camp in Hebron? Otherwise, how could he have so quickly agreed to betray David, his friend?

But is that not how some friends are? Do they not dine and share everything with you while holding a dagger 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 let no one forget the fatal end of both Ahithophel (2 Sam. 17:23) and Judas (Matt. 27:5) at their own hands!

Betrayal, especially of those we call friends, wounds the soul, and devastates lives. But thank God for Christ Jesus, who suffered the worst form of it, and can empathize with us. It takes his grace to heal and restore the wounded soul.

So, may we not become Ahithophel to any of our friends—ever! Instead, I pray we become to them a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Prov. 18:24) and “loves at all times” (17:17).