794 - Hushai Counters Ahithophel’s Advice

Hushai Counters Ahithophel’s Advice

Absalom said, 

“Bring in Hushai the Arkite. 

Let’s see what he thinks about this.” 

When Hushai arrived, Absalom told him, what Ahithophel had said. 

Then he asked, 

“What is your opinion? 

Should we follow Ahithophel’s advice? 

If not, what do you suggest?” 

“Well,” Hushai replied to Absalom, “this time Ahithophel has made a mistake. 

You know your father and his men; they are mighty warriors. 

Right now, they are as enraged, as a mother bear, who has been robbed of her cubs. 

And remember, that your father is an experienced man of war. 

He won’t be spending the night, among the troops. 

He has probably already hidden, in some pit or cave. 

And, when he comes out, and attacks, and a few of your men fall, there will be panic among your troops, and the word will spread, that Absalom’s men are being slaughtered. 

Then, even the bravest soldiers, though they have the heart of a lion, will be paralyzed with fear. 

For all Israel knows, what a mighty warrior your father is, and how courageous his men are. 

“I recommend, that you mobilize the entire army of Israel, bringing them, from as far away as Dan, in the north, and Beersheba, in the south. 

That way, you will have an army, as numerous, as the sand on the seashore. 

And, I advise, that you personally lead the troops. 

When we find David, we’ll fall, on him, like dew, that falls on the ground. 

Then, neither he, nor any of his men, will be left alive. 

And, if David were to escape into some town, you will have all Israel there at your command. 

Then, we can take ropes, and drag the walls of the town, into the nearest valley, until every stone is torn down.” 

Then, Absalom and all the men of Israel said, 

“Hushai’s advice is better than Ahithophel’s.” 

For the Lord had determined, to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel, which really was the better plan, …so that He could bring disaster, on Absalom! 

2 Samuel 17:5–14 (NLT)

Praise be to God!