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He put his house in order and then hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father&#8217s tomb. <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/17.htm">New Living Translation</a> When Ahithophel realized that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey, went to his hometown, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself. He died there and was buried in the family tomb. <a href="/esv/2_samuel/17.htm">English Standard Version</a> When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and went off home to his own city. He set his house in order and hanged himself, and he died and was buried in the tomb of his father. <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his affairs in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb. <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/17.htm">King James Bible</a> And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/17.htm">New King James Version</a> Now when Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he saddled a donkey, and arose and went home to his house, to his city. Then he put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died; and he was buried in his father’s tomb. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now when Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out and went to his home, to his city, and set his house in order, and hanged himself; so he died and was buried in his father’s grave. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and arose and went to his home, to his city, and set his house in order, and strangled himself; thus he died and was buried in the grave of his father. <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and arose and went to his home, to his city, and set his house in order, and strangled himself; thus he died and was buried in the grave of his father. <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed. So he saddled his donkey and arose and went to his home, to his city, and set his house in order, and strangled himself; thus he died and was buried in the grave of his father. <a href="/amp/2_samuel/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now when Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out and went to his home, to his city. Then he put his household in order, and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in the tomb of his father. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When Ahithophel realized that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He set his house in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When Ahithophel realized that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He set his affairs in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father&#8217s tomb. <a href="/asv/2_samuel/17.htm">American Standard Version</a> And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home, unto his city, and set his house in order, and hanged himself; and he died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When Ahithophel saw that Absalom and the leaders of Israel were not going to follow his advice, he saddled his donkey and rode back to his home in Gilo. He told his family and servants what to do. Then he hanged himself, and they buried him in his family's burial place. <a href="/erv/2_samuel/17.htm">English Revised Version</a> And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home, unto his city, and set his house in order, and hanged himself; and he died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When Ahithophel saw that his advice hadn't been followed, he saddled his donkey, left, and went home to his own city. He gave instructions to his family. Then he hanged himself, died, and was buried in his father's tomb. <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/17.htm">Good News Translation</a> When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and went back to his hometown. After putting his affairs in order, he hanged himself. He was buried in the family grave. <a href="/isv/2_samuel/17.htm">International Standard Version</a> Meanwhile, when Ahithophel observed that his counsel was not being acted upon, he saddled his donkey, got up, and left for his hometown. Leaving behind a set of orders for his household, he hanged himself. After his death he was buried in his father's tomb. <a href="/msb/2_samuel/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his affairs in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father?s tomb. <a href="/net/2_samuel/17.htm">NET Bible</a> When Ahithophel realized that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and returned to his house in his hometown. After setting his household in order, he hanged himself. So he died and was buried in the grave of his father. <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and went up to his home in his city. Then he set his house in order and hanged himself, and he died and was buried in the tomb of his father. <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and went home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died. and was buried in the sepulcher of his father. <a href="/web/2_samuel/17.htm">World English Bible</a> When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey, arose, and went home to his city, set his house in order, and hanged himself; and he died, and was buried in the tomb of his father. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Ahithophel has seen that his counsel was not done, and he saddles the donkey, and rises and goes to his house, to his city, and gives charge to his household, and strangles himself, and dies, and he is buried in the burying-place of his father. <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Ahithophel hath seen that his counsel was not done, and he saddleth the ass, and riseth and goeth unto his house, unto his city, and giveth charge unto his household, and strangleth himself, and dieth, and he is buried in the burying-place of his father. <a href="/slt/2_samuel/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not done, and he will saddle the ass and rise and go to his house to his city, and command his house, and he will strangle himself and die. And he will be buried in the grave of his father.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But Achitophel seeing that his counsel was not followed, saddled his ass, and arose and went home to his house and to his city, and putting his house in order, hanged himself, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then Ahithophel, seeing that his counsel had not been done, saddled his donkey, and he rose up and went away to his own house and to his own city. And putting his house in order, he killed himself by hanging. And he was buried in the sepulcher of his father. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/17.htm">New American Bible</a> When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not acted upon, he saddled his donkey and departed, going to his home in his own city. Then, having left orders concerning his household, he hanged himself. And so he died and was buried in his father’s tomb. <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and went off home to his own city. He set his house in order, and hanged himself; he died and was buried in the tomb of his father.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass and arose and went home to his city; and he put his household in order and hanged himself and died and was buried in the sepulchre of his father. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Akhithuphil saw that his counsel was not confirmed, and he put a saddle upon his donkey and he arose, he went to his house and to his city, and he commanded concerning his house, and he hanged himself and died, and was buried in the tomb of his father<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and got him home, unto his city, and set his house in order, and strangled himself; and he died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father. <a href="/sep/2_samuel/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Achitophel saw that his counsel was not followed, and he saddled his ass, and rose and departed to his house into his city; and he gave orders to his household, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/17-23.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=5003" 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/17.htm">Hushai's Warning Saves David</a> …22So David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one left who had not crossed the Jordan. 23<a href="/hebrew/302.htm" title="302: wa·’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- An adviser of David. From 'ach and taphel; brother of folly; Achithophel, an Israelite.">When Ahithophel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rā·’āh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/6098.htm" title="6098: ‘ă·ṣā·ṯōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Counsel, advice. From ya'ats; advice; by implication, plan; also prudence.">his advice</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">had not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ne·‘eś·ṯāh (V-Nifal-Perf-3fs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">been followed,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2280.htm" title="2280: way·ya·ḥă·ḇōš (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To bind, bind on, bind up. A primitive root; to wrap firmly; figuratively, to stop, to rule.">he saddled</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2543.htm" title="2543: ha·ḥă·mō·wr (Art:: N-ms) -- A male ass. Or chamor; from chamar; a male ass.">his donkey</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: way·yā·qām (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">and set out</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·leḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk."></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bê·ṯōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">his house</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">in</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘î·rōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">his hometown.</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">He put his affairs</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bê·ṯōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6680.htm" title="6680: way·ṣaw (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">in order</a> <a href="/hebrew/2614.htm" title="2614: way·yê·ḥā·naq (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To strangle. A primitive root; to be narrow; by implication, to throttle, or To choke oneself to death.">and hanged himself.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: way·yā·māṯ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">So he died</a> <a href="/hebrew/6912.htm" title="6912: way·yiq·qā·ḇêr (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To bury. A primitive root; to intern.">and was buried</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">in his father’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/6913.htm" title="6913: bə·qe·ḇer (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A grave, sepulcher. Or qibrah; from qabar; a sepulchre.">tomb.</a> 24Then David went to Mahanaim, and Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel.…<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="/matthew/27-5.htm">Matthew 27:5</a> So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. <a href="/1_kings/16-18.htm">1 Kings 16:18</a> When Zimri saw that the city was captured, he entered the citadel of the royal palace and burned it down upon himself. So he died <a href="/acts/1-18.htm">Acts 1:18</a> (Now with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out. <a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">1 Samuel 31:4-5</a> Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. / When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died with him. <a href="/2_samuel/15-12.htm">2 Samuel 15:12</a> While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing. <a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">2 Samuel 15:31</a> Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” <a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">2 Samuel 16:23</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="/2_samuel/15-34.htm">2 Samuel 15:34</a> But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’ <a href="/2_samuel/15-37.htm">2 Samuel 15:37</a> So David’s friend Hushai arrived in Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering the city. <a href="/2_samuel/16-20.htm">2 Samuel 16:20-21</a> Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me counsel. What should we do?” / Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” <a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1-4</a> Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” ... <a href="/2_samuel/17-14.htm">2 Samuel 17:14</a> Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. <a href="/2_samuel/17-7.htm">2 Samuel 17:7-13</a> Hushai replied, “This time the advice of Ahithophel is not sound.” / He continued, “You know your father and his men. They are mighty men, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Moreover, your father is a man of war who will not spend the night with the troops. / Surely by now he is hiding in a cave or some other location. If some of your troops fall first, whoever hears of it will say, ‘There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom.’ ... <a href="/2_samuel/17-15.htm">2 Samuel 17:15-16</a> So Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, “This is what Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and this is what I have advised. / Now send quickly and tell David, ‘Do not spend the night at the fords of the wilderness, but be sure to cross over. Otherwise the king and all the people with him will be swallowed up.’” <a href="/2_samuel/17-21.htm">2 Samuel 17:21-22</a> After the men had gone, Ahimaaz and Jonathan climbed up out of the well and went to inform King David, saying, “Get up and cross over the river at once, for Ahithophel has given this advice against you.” / So David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one left who had not crossed the Jordan.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and got him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulcher of his father.saw<a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a> Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.<a href="/proverbs/19-3.htm">Proverbs 19:3</a> The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.followed [heb] done <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="/2_kings/20-1.htm">2 Kings 20:1</a> In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.and hanged<a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">2 Samuel 15:31</a> And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.<a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">1 Samuel 31:4,5</a> Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it… <a href="/1_kings/16-18.htm">1 Kings 16:18</a> And it came to pass, when Zimri saw that the city was taken, that he went into the palace of the king's house, and burnt the king's house over him with fire, and died,<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/17-21.htm">Ahithophel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-42.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-12.htm">Buried</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-17.htm">City</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-15.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-33.htm">Died</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-42.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-18.htm">Followed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-29.htm">Gat</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-12.htm">Grave</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-12.htm">Hanged</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-3.htm">Home</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-20.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-2.htm">Household</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-29.htm">Order</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-1.htm">Saddled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-12.htm">Sepulcher</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-12.htm">Sepulchre</a> <a href="/acts/21-25.htm">Strangled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-32.htm">Tomb</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/23-34.htm">Ahithophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-26.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-37.htm">Buried</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-3.htm">City</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-18.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-33.htm">Died</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-26.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-2.htm">Followed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-3.htm">Gat</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-37.htm">Grave</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-10.htm">Hanged</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-24.htm">Home</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-5.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-17.htm">Household</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-15.htm">Order</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-26.htm">Saddled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-14.htm">Sepulcher</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-14.htm">Sepulchre</a> <a href="/nahum/2-12.htm">Strangled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-14.htm">Tomb</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 17</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">Ahithophel's counsel is overthrown by Hushai's</a> 15. <a href="/2_samuel/17-15.htm">Secret intelligence is sent unto David</a> 23. <a href="/2_samuel/17-23.htm">Ahithophel hangs himself</a> 25. <a href="/2_samuel/17-25.htm">Amasa is made captain</a> 27. <a href="/2_samuel/17-27.htm">David at Mahanaim is furnished with provisions</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/17.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/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed Ahithophel was a highly esteemed counselor, known for his wisdom, whose counsel was considered as if one had inquired of the word of God. His advice was not followed by Absalom, who chose to heed Hushai's counsel instead. This rejection was significant, as it indicated a turning point in Absalom's rebellion against David. The rejection of Ahithophel's counsel can be seen as divine intervention, as God intended to bring about Absalom's downfall. This moment reflects the theme of human plans being subject to God's sovereign will, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</a>.he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown The act of saddling a donkey indicates a deliberate and personal decision to leave the court. Ahithophel's hometown was Giloh, located in the hill country of Judah. This journey back to his roots signifies a retreat from public life to private affairs. The donkey, a common mode of transportation, symbolizes his status and wealth, as only those of means could afford such an animal. This phrase highlights the cultural practice of returning to one's origins in times of distress or failure.He put his affairs in order and hanged himself Ahithophel's decision to put his affairs in order before taking his life suggests a methodical and calculated approach, reflecting his character as a wise and prudent man. His suicide can be seen as an act of despair and shame, as his unheeded counsel meant the failure of Absalom's rebellion, which he had supported. This act parallels Judas Iscariot's suicide in the New Testament (<a href="/matthew/27-5.htm">Matthew 27:5</a>), both being betrayals that ended in self-inflicted death. It underscores the biblical theme of the consequences of betrayal and the ultimate futility of opposing God's anointed.So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb Burial in one's family tomb was a sign of honor and respect, even in death. This indicates that despite his tragic end, Ahithophel was still afforded the dignity of being laid to rest with his ancestors. The mention of his father's tomb emphasizes the importance of family lineage and heritage in ancient Israelite culture. It also serves as a reminder of the temporal nature of human life and the enduring legacy of one's actions, as seen in <a href="/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:1</a>, which speaks to the value of a good name over fine perfume.<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. His advice was highly regarded, but he sided with Absalom during the rebellion against David. 2. <a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a> The son of King David who rebelled against his father, seeking to take the throne of Israel. 3. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel, father of Absalom, and the central figure in the Books of Samuel. 4. <a href="/topical/h/hometown_of_ahithophel.htm">Hometown of Ahithophel</a> Although not named in this verse, Ahithophel's hometown is Giloh, a city in the hill country of Judah. 5. <a href="/topical/e/event_of_suicide.htm">Event of Suicide</a> Ahithophel's suicide is a significant event, reflecting his despair and the ultimate futility of his betrayal.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_betrayal.htm">The Consequences of Betrayal</a> Betrayal leads to destruction, both for the betrayer and those involved. Ahithophel's end serves as a warning against treachery and disloyalty. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_godly_counsel.htm">The Importance of Godly Counsel</a> Seeking and following godly counsel is crucial. Ahithophel's wisdom was renowned, yet Absalom's rejection of it led to his downfall. <a href="/topical/d/despair_without_hope.htm">Despair Without Hope</a> Ahithophel's suicide reflects a life without hope. In contrast, believers are called to find hope and redemption in Christ, even in despair. <a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_worldly_wisdom.htm">The Futility of Worldly Wisdom</a> Worldly wisdom, apart from God's guidance, ultimately leads to futility. True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 17</a> <a href="/q/where_is_malta_mentioned_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Ahithophel in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_suicide.htm">What does the Bible say about suicide?</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_ahithophel_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Ahithophel in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) And hanged himself.--Ahithophei was moved, not merely by chagrin at the rejection of his counsel, but was shrewd enough to see that, with this delay, Absalom's rebellion would inevitably fail, and he himself be likely to come to a traitor's death.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 23. - Ahithophel...hanged himself. There is an old fancy, put down by Thenius as one of the curiosities of interpretation, that Ahithophel died of a quinsy; for the word might mean "was strangled or choked." But the act seems mentioned as a proof of Ahithophel's unerring judgment. Indignation at Absalom's folly, and at the slight. cast upon himself, is not a sufficient reason for so violent a deed. He must have foreseen the certain ruin of the conspiracy if David was allowed time; and he knew that upon its failure would follow his own punishment. It is proof also that he was a fierce and ill-tempered man, and animated for some reason or other with a malignant hatred of David. The parallel between Ahithophel and the traitor Judas must strike every one. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/17-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When Ahithophel וַאֲחִיתֹ֣פֶל (wa·’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_302.htm">Strong's 302: </a> Ahithophel -- an adviser of David saw רָאָ֗ה (rā·’āh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see that כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction his advice עֲצָתוֹ֒ (‘ă·ṣā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6098.htm">Strong's 6098: </a> Advice, plan, prudence had not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no been followed, נֶעֶשְׂתָה֮ (ne·‘eś·ṯāh) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make he saddled וַיַּחֲבֹ֣שׁ (way·ya·ḥă·ḇōš) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2280.htm">Strong's 2280: </a> To wrap firmly, to stop, to rule his donkey הַחֲמ֗וֹר (ha·ḥă·mō·wr) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2543.htm">Strong's 2543: </a> A male ass and set out וַיָּ֜קָם (way·yā·qām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> To arise, stand up, stand for אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to his house בֵּיתוֹ֙ (bê·ṯōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house in אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to his hometown. עִיר֔וֹ (‘î·rōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement He put his affairs אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to in order וַיְצַ֥ו (way·ṣaw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order and hanged himself. וַיֵּחָנַ֑ק (way·yê·ḥā·naq) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2614.htm">Strong's 2614: </a> To be narrow, to throttle, to choke oneself to death So he died וַיָּ֕מָת (way·yā·māṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill and was buried וַיִּקָּבֵ֖ר (way·yiq·qā·ḇêr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6912.htm">Strong's 6912: </a> To inter in his father’s אָבִֽיו׃ (’ā·ḇîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father tomb. בְּקֶ֥בֶר (bə·qe·ḇer) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6913.htm">Strong's 6913: </a> A grave, sepulcher <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/17-23.htm">2 Samuel 17:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/17-23.htm">2 Samuel 17:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/17-23.htm">2 Samuel 17:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/17-23.htm">2 Samuel 17:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/17-23.htm">2 Samuel 17:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/17-23.htm">2 Samuel 17:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/17-23.htm">2 Samuel 17:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/17-23.htm">2 Samuel 17:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/17-23.htm">2 Samuel 17:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/17-23.htm">2 Samuel 17:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-23.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 17:23 When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/17-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 17:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 17:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/17-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 17:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 17:24" /></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>