Hushai Counters Ahithophel’s Advice
Ahithophel urges Absalom to send a chosen force at once, strike David while he is weak, and bring the people back after killing only the king. The plan appears wise to Absalom and Israel’s elders because it promises a quick end with limited bloodshed.
F1urthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. 2I 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 3and 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.” 4This proposal seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel.
Absalom calls for Hushai as well, and Hushai begins by rejecting Ahithophel’s advice for this moment. He plays on Absalom’s fears, describing David and his men as fierce, experienced, and able to turn an early clash into panic among Absalom’s troops.
5Then Absalom said, “Summon Hushai the Archite as well, and let us hear what he too has to say.” 6So Hushai came to Absalom, who told him, “Ahithophel has spoken this proposal. Should we carry it out? If not, what do you say?” 7Hushai replied, “This time the advice of Ahithophel is not sound.” 8He 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. 9Surely 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.’ 10Then even the most valiant soldier with the heart of a lion will melt with fear, because all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man who has valiant men with him.
Hushai urges Absalom to gather all Israel and lead the campaign himself, promising overwhelming force wherever David is found. Absalom prefers this counsel, and the chapter reveals that the LORD is using the decision to bring Absalom toward ruin.
11Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beersheba— a multitude like the sand on the seashore— be gathered to you, and that you yourself lead them into battle. 12Then we will attack David wherever we find him, and we will descend on him like dew on the ground. And of all the men with him, not even one will remain. 13If he retreats to a city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not even a pebble can be found there.” 14Then 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.