Hushai’s Counsel

By this time David would barely have had time to reach the Jordan, and with his followers not yet completely organized, he would have been an easy victim for the forces of Absalom. If Ahithophel’s proposal had been followed, the men with David would doubtless have been utterly routed, and David killed. Thus Absalom would have been made secure on his throne.”1 Absalom now called on Hushai for his advice.

Hushai, realizing David’s cause would be lost if Ahithophel’s plan was enacted, urged prudence. While not wanting to directly contradict Ahithophel’s advice as unwise, Hushai suggested an alternative might be better suited at this time.

Hushai advised caution rather than rashly rushing into battle against proven men of war. He pointed out David was a mighty warrior, and he certainly would not be found among his men but would have set up a command post in some secluded area.

If Absalom sent his untested men against trained warriors, it was highly unlikely they would prevail. If routed, all Israel would see success must follow David, and their allegiance might shift to him. Rather, they should gather an invincible host from all of Israel and proceed when there was little chance of David’s forces being able to resist such an overwhelming army. Furthermore, Absalom should be at the head of this large force so that he might claim personal triumph. Victory would strengthen his claim to the throne in the eyes of the people.

This seemed like sound counsel to Absalom and certainly played upon his vanity—leading an invincible army into battle seemed like the better option.

“In his conspiracy against David, Absalom failed to reckon with God. He had able counselors and powerful supporters, and the hearts of many of the people were with him. But the nation of Israel, after all, belonged to the Lord, and it was David who had been divinely anointed as king. If he were to be deposed, God would have to be taken into the reckoning. Wise as the counsel of Ahithophel was, from a human point of view, the Lord decreed that it be brought to nought. “. . . A wisdom higher than that of men was directing in the affairs of Israel.” God still directs the affairs of nations.