Traitors and Bad Counselors

Soon after David left Jerusalem, Absalom and his army entered, and without a struggle took possession of the stronghold of Israel.

Hushai was among the first to greet the new-crowned monarch, and the prince was surprised and gratified at the accession of his father’s old friend and counselor.

Absalom was confident of success.

Thus far his schemes had prospered, and eager to strengthen his throne and secure the confidence of the nation, he welcomed Hushai to his court.” “Hushai was known to be a great friend of David, and his appearance at the court of Absalom was totally unexpected. Why he too should have forsaken his friend and master appeared strange indeed. Absalom had looked for David to retain his hold on many of the people, and certainly on such a stalwart follower of his as Hushai. To have Hushai also forsake David seemed too good a fortune to be true. Absalom was both surprised and flattered, and no doubt felt more certain than ever of the success of his cause.” To all appearances, Hushai was a traitor.

Even his reason for switching allegiances seemed to be rational and heartfelt (2 Samuel 16:16–19). Hushai claimed that by serving Absalom, he was honorably serving the house of David. “Absalom was now surrounded by a large force, but it was mostly composed of men untrained for war. . . . Ahithophel well knew that David’s situation was far from hopeless. . . . He was surrounded by tried warriors, who were faithful to their king, and his army was commanded by able and experienced generals. Ahithophel knew that after the first burst of enthusiasm in favor of the new king, a reaction would come. Should the rebellion fail, Absalom might be able to secure a reconciliation with his father; then Ahithophel, as his chief counselor, would be held most guilty for the rebellion; upon him the heaviest punishment would fall. To prevent Absalom from retracing his steps, Ahithophel counseled him to an act that in the eyes of the whole nation would make reconciliation impossible.” Susceptibility to flattery and conceit often blind a person to the true objectives of false friends.