Absalom’s question to Ahithophel shows his determination to strengthen his rebellion and underscores the tension between father and son at a critical point in Israel’s history.
In 2 Samuel 16:20, we read, Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your advice. What shall we do?” (v.20). Absalom, who lived around 1000 BC, was the rebellious son of King David (who reigned circa 1010-970 BC). By this point in the narrative, Absalom had usurped his father’s throne in Jerusalem, forcing David to flee and leaving the city under Absalom’s control (2 Samuel 15:14). Now firmly inside the royal palace, Absalom turned to Ahithophel—formerly David’s trusted counselor—for guidance about securing his rule and publicly distancing himself from his father’s authority.
When Absalom asked, “Give your advice. What shall we do?” (v.20), he was deliberately seeking a strategy to consolidate power. Ahithophel’s counsel would prove shrewd and controversial. Being a once-valued advisor to David, Ahithophel knew how to seize the moment so that Absalom’s hold on the kingdom looked unchallengeable. In the verse that follows, Ahithophel would recommend an act designed to humiliate David and remove any doubt about Absalom’s claim to kingship. This action—sleeping with David’s concubines—was not only forbidden under God’s law but carried significant political symbolism (2 Samuel 16:21-22, explained in Leviticus 18:6 commentary).
Absalom’s younger history included winning favor with the Israelite people and exploiting public dissatisfaction with David’s reign (2 Samuel 15:1-6). This scene in 2 Samuel 16:20 reveals how he further maneuvered to solidify his rebellion. By reaching out to Ahithophel, Absalom demonstrated both ambition and cunning, using every means available to overpower his father’s legacy.
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2 Samuel 16:20 meaning
In 2 Samuel 16:20, we read, Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your advice. What shall we do?” (v.20). Absalom, who lived around 1000 BC, was the rebellious son of King David (who reigned circa 1010-970 BC). By this point in the narrative, Absalom had usurped his father’s throne in Jerusalem, forcing David to flee and leaving the city under Absalom’s control (2 Samuel 15:14). Now firmly inside the royal palace, Absalom turned to Ahithophel—formerly David’s trusted counselor—for guidance about securing his rule and publicly distancing himself from his father’s authority.
When Absalom asked, “Give your advice. What shall we do?” (v.20), he was deliberately seeking a strategy to consolidate power. Ahithophel’s counsel would prove shrewd and controversial. Being a once-valued advisor to David, Ahithophel knew how to seize the moment so that Absalom’s hold on the kingdom looked unchallengeable. In the verse that follows, Ahithophel would recommend an act designed to humiliate David and remove any doubt about Absalom’s claim to kingship. This action—sleeping with David’s concubines—was not only forbidden under God’s law but carried significant political symbolism (2 Samuel 16:21-22, explained in Leviticus 18:6 commentary).
Absalom’s younger history included winning favor with the Israelite people and exploiting public dissatisfaction with David’s reign (2 Samuel 15:1-6). This scene in 2 Samuel 16:20 reveals how he further maneuvered to solidify his rebellion. By reaching out to Ahithophel, Absalom demonstrated both ambition and cunning, using every means available to overpower his father’s legacy.