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That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel&#8217s advice. <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> Absalom followed Ahithophel’s advice, just as David had done. For every word Ahithophel spoke seemed as wise as though it had come directly from the mouth of God. <a href="/esv/2_samuel/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one consulted the word of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel esteemed, both by David and by Absalom. <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now in those days the advice of Ahithophel was like the consultation of the word of God. Such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice. <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/16.htm">King James Bible</a> And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/16.htm">New King James Version</a> Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one had inquired at the oracle of God. So was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was taken as though one inquired of the word of God; so was all the advice of Ahithophel regarded by both David and Absalom. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> The advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one inquired of the word of God; so was all the advice of Ahithophel regarded by both David and Absalom. <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one inquired of the word of God; so was all the advice of Ahithophel regarded by both David and Absalom. <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counseled in those days, was as if one asked of the word of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel regarded by both David and Absalom. <a href="/amp/2_samuel/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man had consulted the word of God; that is how all Ahithophel’s counsel was regarded by both David and Absalom. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now the advice Ahithophel gave in those days was like someone asking about a word from God —such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now the advice Ahithophel gave in those days was like someone asking about a word from God—such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel&#8217s advice. <a href="/asv/2_samuel/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Ahithophel gave such good advice in those days that both Absalom and David thought it came straight from God. <a href="/erv/2_samuel/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> In those days both David and Absalom thought that Ahithophel's advice was like getting an answer from God. <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> Any advice that Ahithophel gave in those days was accepted as though it were the very word of God; both David and Absalom followed it. <a href="/isv/2_samuel/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now Ahithophel's advice that he provided at that time was being compared to one who inquired of God, so highly regarded was Ahithophel's counsel by both David and Absalom. <a href="/msb/2_samuel/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now in those days the advice of Ahithophel was like the consultation of the word of God. Such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel?s advice. <a href="/net/2_samuel/16.htm">NET Bible</a> In those days Ahithophel's advice was considered as valuable as a prophetic revelation. Both David and Absalom highly regarded the advice of Ahithophel. <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one inquired of the word of God. So was all the counsel of Ahithophel both to David and to Absalom. <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counseled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. <a href="/web/2_samuel/16.htm">World English Bible</a> The counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man inquired at the inner sanctuary of God. All the counsel of Ahithophel was like this both with David and with Absalom. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the counsel of Ahithophel which he counseled in those days [is] as [when] one inquires at the word of God; so [is] all the counsel of Ahithophel both to David and to Absalom. <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the counsel of Ahithophel which he counselled in those days is as when one inquireth at the word of God; so is all the counsel of Ahithophel both to David and to Absalom. <a href="/slt/2_samuel/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the counsel of Ahithophel which he counseled in those days, according as it will be asked in the word of God: thus all the counsel of Ahithophel also to David also to Absalom.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now the counsel of Achitophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man should consult God: so was all the counsel of Achitophel, both when he was with David, and when he was with Absalom. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now the counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was treated as if one were consulting God. So was every counsel of Ahithophel, both when he was with David, and when he was with Absalom. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/16.htm">New American Bible</a> Now the counsel given by Ahithophel at that time was as though one sought the word of God. Such was all the counsel of Ahithophel both to David and to Absalom. <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one consulted the oracle of God; so all the counsel of Ahithophel was esteemed, both by David and by Absalom.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the counsel of Ahithophel which he gave in those days was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the counsel that Akhithuphel was counseling in those days was like a person inquiring of the Word of God. As all the counsel of Akhithuphel was to David, so also it was to Abishlum <div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man inquired of the word of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. <a href="/sep/2_samuel/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the counsel of Achitophel, which he counselled in former days, was as if one should enquire of the word of God: so was all the counsel of Achitophel both to David and also to Abessalom. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/16-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=4723" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/16.htm">The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai</a> …22So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. 23<a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: hā·hêm (Art:: Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">Now in those</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: bay·yā·mîm (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">days</a> <a href="/hebrew/6098.htm" title="6098: wa·‘ă·ṣaṯ (Conj-w:: N-fsc) -- Counsel, advice. From ya'ats; advice; by implication, plan; also prudence.">the advice</a> <a href="/hebrew/302.htm" title="302: ’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el (N-proper-ms) -- An adviser of David. From 'ach and taphel; brother of folly; Achithophel, an Israelite.">of Ahithophel</a> <a href="/hebrew/3289.htm" title="3289: yā·‘aṣ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To advise, counsel. A primitive root; to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">was like</a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: yiš·ʾa·li- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">the consultation</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: biḏ·ḇar (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">of the word</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">Such</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">was the regard</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">that both</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: lə·ḏā·wiḏ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/53.htm" title="53: lə·’aḇ·šā·lōm (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Or babshalowm; from 'ab and shalowm; father of peace; Abshalom, a son of David; also a later Israelite.">Absalom</a> <a href="/hebrew/302.htm" title="302: ’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el (N-proper-ms) -- An adviser of David. From 'ach and taphel; brother of folly; Achithophel, an Israelite.">had for Ahithophel’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/6098.htm" title="6098: ‘ă·ṣaṯ (N-fsc) -- Counsel, advice. From ya'ats; advice; by implication, plan; also prudence.">advice.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_kings/4-34.htm">1 Kings 4:34</a> So men of all nations came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom. <a href="/1_kings/10-24.htm">1 Kings 10:24</a> The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. <a href="/1_kings/3-28.htm">1 Kings 3:28</a> When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had given, they stood in awe of him, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. <a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">1 Kings 12:6-8</a> Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” / But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. <a href="/1_chronicles/27-32.htm">1 Chronicles 27:32-33</a> David’s uncle Jonathan was a counselor; he was a man of insight and a scribe. Jehiel son of Hachmoni attended to the sons of the king. / Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend. <a href="/1_kings/22-5.htm">1 Kings 22:5</a> But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.” <a href="/1_kings/22-7.htm">1 Kings 22:7</a> But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?” <a href="/1_kings/22-23.htm">1 Kings 22:23</a> So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.” <a href="/2_chronicles/18-4.htm">2 Chronicles 18:4</a> But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.” <a href="/2_chronicles/18-6.htm">2 Chronicles 18:6</a> But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?” <a href="/2_chronicles/18-22.htm">2 Chronicles 18:22</a> So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of these prophets of yours, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.” <a href="/matthew/12-42.htm">Matthew 12:42</a> The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here. <a href="/luke/11-31.htm">Luke 11:31</a> The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here. <a href="/acts/6-10.htm">Acts 6:10</a> but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. <a href="/acts/7-10.htm">Acts 7:10</a> and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counceled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.as if<a href="/numbers/27-21.htm">Numbers 27:21</a> And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.<a href="/1_samuel/30-8.htm">1 Samuel 30:8</a> And David inquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.<a href="/psalms/28-2.htm">Psalm 28:2</a> Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.oracle of God [heb] word of God<a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Psalm 19:7</a> The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.all the counsel<a href="/2_samuel/17-14.htm">2 Samuel 17:14,23</a> And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom… <a href="/job/5-12.htm">Job 5:12</a> He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.<a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a> And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.both<a href="/2_samuel/15-12.htm">2 Samuel 15:12</a> And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counseller, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.<a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:1</a> Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/16-22.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-22.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-20.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-21.htm">Ahithophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-21.htm">Ahith'ophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-34.htm">Ahithophel's</a> <a href="/acts/9-23.htm">Consulted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-20.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/acts/15-37.htm">Counseled</a> <a href="/john/18-14.htm">Counselled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-13.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-34.htm">Direction</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-22.htm">Esteemed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-25.htm">Highly</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-16.htm">Inquired</a> <a href="/judges/4-20.htm">Inquires</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-11.htm">Inquireth</a> <a href="/james/1-8.htm">Opinions</a> <a href="/numbers/24-23.htm">Oracle</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-13.htm">Regarded</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-24.htm">Valued</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-36.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-4.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">Ahithophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">Ahith'ophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-7.htm">Ahithophel's</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">Consulted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-7.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-15.htm">Counseled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-7.htm">Counselled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-26.htm">Direction</a> <a href="/job/23-12.htm">Esteemed</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-9.htm">Highly</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-1.htm">Inquired</a> <a href="/psalms/77-6.htm">Inquires</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/31-9.htm">Inquireth</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-21.htm">Opinions</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-1.htm">Oracle</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-29.htm">Regarded</a> <a href="/ezra/8-27.htm">Valued</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-6.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 16</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/16-1.htm">Ziba, by presents and false suggestions, obtains his master's inheritance</a> 5. <a href="/2_samuel/16-5.htm">At Bahurim, Shimei curses David</a> 9. <a href="/2_samuel/16-9.htm">David with patience abstains, and restrains others, from revenge</a> 15. <a href="/2_samuel/16-15.htm">Hushai insinuates himself into Absalom's counsel</a> 20. <a href="/2_samuel/16-20.htm">Ahithophel's counsel</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now in those days This phrase sets the historical context during the reign of King David, specifically during the time of Absalom's rebellion. It was a period marked by political intrigue and familial betrayal, highlighting the tumultuous nature of David's kingdom.the advice of Ahithophel Ahithophel was a counselor to King David and later to Absalom. Known for his wisdom and strategic mind, his counsel was highly esteemed. His betrayal of David to support Absalom is significant, reflecting the deep divisions within David's court and family.was like the consultation of the word of God This comparison underscores the high regard and near-divine authority attributed to Ahithophel's counsel. It suggests that his advice was seen as almost infallible, reflecting the cultural and religious importance of seeking divine guidance in decision-making. This also highlights the potential danger of elevating human wisdom to the level of divine revelation.Such was the regard The phrase indicates the immense respect and trust placed in Ahithophel's counsel by those in power. It emphasizes the influence he wielded in the political sphere, affecting the decisions of both David and Absalom.that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice This highlights the unique position Ahithophel held, being trusted by both the reigning king and his rebellious son. It illustrates the complexity of loyalties and the precarious nature of political alliances. The dual trust also foreshadows the eventual conflict and tragedy that would arise from Absalom's rebellion.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/ahithophel.htm">Ahithophel</a> A counselor to King David, known for his wisdom and insight. His advice was highly regarded, almost as if it were divinely inspired. 2. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel, chosen by God, who faced rebellion from his son Absalom. David's leadership and relationship with God are central to this account. 3. <a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a> The son of David who rebelled against his father, seeking to usurp the throne. His actions led to a civil conflict within Israel. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The capital city of Israel, where much of the political intrigue and events of this account unfold. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_word_of_god.htm">The Word of God</a> The divine guidance and commandments given to the people of Israel, which Ahithophel's advice was compared to in terms of perceived authority and wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_misplaced_trust.htm">The Danger of Misplaced Trust</a> While Ahithophel's advice was esteemed, it was not infallible. Believers should be cautious about placing ultimate trust in human wisdom over divine guidance. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_betrayal.htm">The Consequences of Betrayal</a> Ahithophel's betrayal of David serves as a reminder of the destructive power of disloyalty and the importance of faithfulness in relationships. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_wisdom.htm">Seeking God's Wisdom</a> True wisdom comes from God. Believers are encouraged to seek His guidance through prayer and scripture rather than relying solely on human counsel. <a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_influence.htm">The Impact of Influence</a> Ahithophel's influence was significant, demonstrating how one person's counsel can sway the course of events. Christians should be mindful of the influence they wield and ensure it aligns with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 16</a> <a href="/q/where_is_malta_mentioned_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Ahithophel in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_ahithophel_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Ahithophel in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_ahithophel's_suicide_unique.htm">Why does 2 Samuel 17:23 describe Ahithophel’s suicide differently from any later biblical references to suicides, and are there historical precedents for such a response?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_hushai_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Hushai in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 23. - The counsel of Ahithophel, etc. These words form a sort of apology for Absalom. He ought to have had more respect for his father than to offer him so grievous an insult, and aggravate by so terrible a deed the quarrel between them. But his conduct from first to last was utterly mean and selfish, and his only excuse here is that there was such a glamour round Ahithophel, that men yielded up their own judgment to him without an effort, and did what he advised as if it had a religious sanction. At the oracle of God; Hebrew, had asked the Word of God; that is, had consulted God by Urim and Thummim. When a man went to the priest to inquire in this way, he did whatever he was told; and the word of Ahithophel was accepted with equal deference. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/16-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now in those הָהֵ֔ם (hā·hêm) Article | Pronoun - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> They days בַּיָּמִ֣ים (bay·yā·mîm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day the advice וַעֲצַ֣ת (wa·‘ă·ṣaṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6098.htm">Strong's 6098: </a> Advice, plan, prudence of Ahithophel אֲחִיתֹ֗פֶל (’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_302.htm">Strong's 302: </a> Ahithophel -- an adviser of David was like אֲשֶׁ֤ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that the consultation יִשְׁאַל־ (yiš·’al-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> To inquire, to request, to demand of the word בִּדְבַ֣ר (biḏ·ḇar) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause of God. הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative Such כֵּ֚ן (kên) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> So -- thus was the regard כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every that both גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and David לְדָוִ֖ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse and גַּ֥ם (gam) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and Absalom לְאַבְשָׁלֹֽם׃ (lə·’aḇ·šā·lōm) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_53.htm">Strong's 53: </a> Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites had for Ahithophel’s אֲחִיתֹ֔פֶל (’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_302.htm">Strong's 302: </a> Ahithophel -- an adviser of David advice. עֲצַ֣ת (‘ă·ṣaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6098.htm">Strong's 6098: </a> Advice, plan, prudence <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/16-23.htm">2 Samuel 16:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/16-23.htm">2 Samuel 16:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/16-23.htm">2 Samuel 16:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/16-23.htm">2 Samuel 16:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/16-23.htm">2 Samuel 16:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/16-23.htm">2 Samuel 16:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/16-23.htm">2 Samuel 16:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/16-23.htm">2 Samuel 16:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/16-23.htm">2 Samuel 16:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/16-23.htm">2 Samuel 16:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 16:23 The counsel of Ahithophel which he gave (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/16-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 16:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 16:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 17:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 17:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>