Bible Figure
Ahitophel
biblical character
Ahithophel was a highly regarded counselor of David who defected to Absalom during the rebellion and later took his own life when his strategic advice was rejected.
Biography
Ahithophel's counsel was regarded in David's day as exceptionally authoritative. When Absalom rebelled, Ahithophel joined him, causing David to pray that God would turn his counsel into foolishness. Ahithophel advised Absalom to make his break with David public and then proposed an immediate pursuit of the weary king with a select force. Hushai, secretly loyal to David, recommended delay and a much larger mobilization. Absalom accepted Hushai's advice; the narrative says the Lord had ordained the defeat of Ahithophel's good counsel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. Seeing his advice rejected and apparently recognizing the rebellion's likely failure, Ahithophel went home, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself.
Biblical Significance
Ahithophel's story shows that brilliant human counsel cannot overturn God's purposes. His betrayal also contributes to the painful pattern of trusted associates turning against David during Absalom's revolt.