God’s sovereignty overrules human cunning, securing the future He intends for His people.
“Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, ‘The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.’ For the LORD had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the LORD might bring calamity on Absalom.” (v.14)
This scene takes place during Absalom’s rebellion against his father, King David, around 975 BC. Absalom, David’s third son, had cunningly rallied many followers to join his cause (2 Samuel 15:1-12). Here in 2 Samuel 17, we see how Absalom sought advice from two different counselors: Ahithophel—once David’s trusted advisor—and Hushai the Archite, who was secretly loyal to David. Because the LORD had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, Absalom and his men were persuaded to accept Hushai’s suggestion instead, even though Ahithophel’s plan might have led to a swift victory (v.14). This demonstrates God’s sovereign workings behind political events, ensuring that Absalom’s rebellion would ultimately fail.
When the verse says that “the LORD had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel,” it highlights how no plan, however shrewd, can stand against the purposes of God. Absalom might have garnered public support, but his plans were built on pride and rebellion against the rightful king. In a broader sense, this reflects the principle that God opposes the proud and vindicates the humble (James 4:6). David had chosen faith in God rather than direct retaliation against Absalom’s insurrection, trusting that God would protect him in time. Indeed, Absalom’s scheme collapsed, leading to his eventual death in battle, ensnared by his hair in an oak tree (2 Samuel 18:9). David mourned his son’s death, since despite the war, Absalom was still his child (2 Samuel 18:33).
Even so, this chapter reminds us that the Lord’s purposes will be accomplished, sometimes by using unexpected means. Hushai’s misleading counsel was precisely what God used to bring about Absalom’s demise. Importantly, God was restoring rightful order in Israel, preserving David’s throne in accordance with His promises (2 Samuel 7:12-13). Through these events, we are pointed toward Jesus, the greater descendant of David, whose kingdom will never fail (Luke 1:32-33).
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2 Samuel 17:14 meaning
“Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, ‘The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.’ For the LORD had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the LORD might bring calamity on Absalom.” (v.14)
This scene takes place during Absalom’s rebellion against his father, King David, around 975 BC. Absalom, David’s third son, had cunningly rallied many followers to join his cause (2 Samuel 15:1-12). Here in 2 Samuel 17, we see how Absalom sought advice from two different counselors: Ahithophel—once David’s trusted advisor—and Hushai the Archite, who was secretly loyal to David. Because the LORD had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, Absalom and his men were persuaded to accept Hushai’s suggestion instead, even though Ahithophel’s plan might have led to a swift victory (v.14). This demonstrates God’s sovereign workings behind political events, ensuring that Absalom’s rebellion would ultimately fail.
When the verse says that “the LORD had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel,” it highlights how no plan, however shrewd, can stand against the purposes of God. Absalom might have garnered public support, but his plans were built on pride and rebellion against the rightful king. In a broader sense, this reflects the principle that God opposes the proud and vindicates the humble (James 4:6). David had chosen faith in God rather than direct retaliation against Absalom’s insurrection, trusting that God would protect him in time. Indeed, Absalom’s scheme collapsed, leading to his eventual death in battle, ensnared by his hair in an oak tree (2 Samuel 18:9). David mourned his son’s death, since despite the war, Absalom was still his child (2 Samuel 18:33).
Even so, this chapter reminds us that the Lord’s purposes will be accomplished, sometimes by using unexpected means. Hushai’s misleading counsel was precisely what God used to bring about Absalom’s demise. Importantly, God was restoring rightful order in Israel, preserving David’s throne in accordance with His promises (2 Samuel 7:12-13). Through these events, we are pointed toward Jesus, the greater descendant of David, whose kingdom will never fail (Luke 1:32-33).