2 Samuel 16:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Now Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.

NIV: Meanwhile, Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him.

NASB: Then Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, entered Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.

CSB: Now Absalom and all the Israelites came to Jerusalem. Ahithophel was also with him.

NLT: Meanwhile, Absalom and all the army of Israel arrived at Jerusalem, accompanied by Ahithophel.

KJV: And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.

NKJV: Meanwhile Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem; and Ahithophel was with him.

David and his people have reached the Jordan River. Absalom has entered Jerusalem; Ahithophel is with him. Ahithophel had been David's official counselor, respected by all as wise and trustworthy. When David learned of the defection, he could only pray, "O Lord, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness (2 Samuel 15:31)."

Ahithophel will advise Absalom to sleep with David's concubines on David's roof. For Absalom, it's a sign that he has completely broken with and taken dominance over his father (2 Samuel 16:20–22). To David, it's the final piece of God's judgment for his betrayal of Uriah. As he took Uriah's wife in secret, so God cursed David, saying, "I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun" (2 Samuel 12:11–12).

To ensure Absalom's success, Ahithophel will also request 12,000 men to hunt David down before he can regroup (2 Samuel 17:1). David likely had this in mind when he wrote, "Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me" (Psalm 41:9). The similarities between the two have led scholars to see Ahithophel as a type of Judas, down to the fact that they both hanged themselves after they betrayed their Lord (2 Samuel 17:23; Matthew 27:5).

Fortunately, Ahithophel is not invincible. David has sent his friend Hushai to infiltrate Absalom's council and mitigate Ahithophel's advice. First, however, Hushai must convince Absalom that he, too, has switched sides (2 Samuel 16:16–19).

Second Samuel 16:15–19 describes Absalom entering Jerusalem and gaining an advisor. He's been marching from Hebron with a growing number of supporters. David and his people have already fled. When Absalom arrives, David's friend Hushai offers to join Absalom's council. Absalom is wary, but Hushai promises loyalty. Absalom doesn't realize that Hushai is David's spy. With the help of the priests, their sons, and two brave women, Hushai will counter Ahithophel's advice and foil Absalom's attack on David's people (2 Samuel 17:1–22).

David flees and Absalom takes Jerusalem. Absalom arrives with his supporters while David and his servants race to the Jordan River (2 Samuel 15). Mephibosheth's servant Ziba brings David donkeys, provisions, and news that Mephibosheth has also betrayed David. Shimei, Saul's relative, throws stones and curses at David and his people. David's former counselor Ahithophel convinces Absalom to have sex with David's concubines. But David's friend Hushai has infiltrated Absalom's council and will prove to be an exceptionally good spy (2 Samuel 17:1–22).

In 2 Samuel 16, leadership in Jerusalem changes hands. Because of David's sin (2 Samuel 11), God predicts death and controversy in David's life. That starts with assault and murder within David's own family (2 Samuel 12—14). The murderer, David's son Absalom, took four years to gain the people's trust and declare himself king (2 Samuel 15:1–11). He won over David's counselor, but David has his servants, warriors, two priests, and an old friend: the last three stay as spies (2 Samuel 15:13–37). As Absalom takes the throne, David meets two Benjamites: one helpful and one horrible. Soon, Absalom will plan an attack, but the priests and David's friend send word and save David's people (2 Samuel 17:1–22).

Second Samuel continues the story of David, who will become king over Judah. The other tribes of Israel are resistant, eventually sparking a civil war. David wins and makes Jerusalem his capital. Early success is followed by moral failure and controversy in David's house. The book of 1 Kings will begin by detailing David's decline and death.