Today, we begin 2nd Samuel Chapter 17.
For the Complete Jewish Bible, click HERE.
For the King James Version, click HERE.
The decisive moment had arrived.
Achitophel tells Absalom that David must be eliminated immediately, or a civil war will erupt.
The idea behind the decision to handpick 12,000 soldiers was to choose 1,000 men from each of the 12 tribes.
This would symbolize a united Israel.
Of course, there wouldn’t precisely be 1,000 men from each tribe.
The army would mostly comprise the northern tribes.
They were the ones who still held a grudge against David and were loyal to Saul’s family.
Still, Achitofel’s plan was solid.
David’s men were tired, scattered, and low on courage.
If 12,000 soldiers attacked at night, it would be a lightning-fast strike, catching everyone by surprise.
Terrified, David’s followers would for sure abandon him.
David would be left defenseless.
Then, once the king was killed, everyone would be told…
“You’re forgiven for siding with David.
Now return home to your new ruler, Absalom.”
In this way, blood feuds would be avoided.
And public perception would naturally shift to seeing Absalom as the new king.
Achitofel’s plan was as cunning as it was diabolical.
Again, there’s no doubt it would’ve succeeded.
Fortunately, for King David and his men, there was a higher power in the heavens guiding events to protect His followers.
Totally out of the blue, Absalom decides to get a second opinion.
And who did he choose?
None other than Hushai, that “friend of David.”
Illogical as all hell, isn’t it?
Absalom was well aware that Hushai was loyal to David.
Still, Absalom calls Hushai in and lays out Achitofel’s plan to get his opinion.
Hushai immediately shoots the idea down and tells Absalom how ridiculous it is.
This leads to today’s takeaway.
Oh, but wait.
Before that, I’ve gotta quiz question for you.
It’s this:
Why would Absalom even question Achitofel, the mastermind of the whole rebellion?
Everyone respected his advice.
And there was every reason to be suspicious of Hushai.
He’d been fiercely loyal to David for what seemed like forever.
And even if Absalom ignored Hushai and went with Achitofel’s plan, the damage was still done.
Absalom had just given Hushai the entire plot.
So lemme know your thoughts.
Why do you think Absalom ignored the advice of a man who not only was fiercely loyal to him but was also revered for his infallible cunning when it came to matters of war?
Now for the takeaway.
I pretty much clearly articulated it in this previous line:
“Fortunately, for King David and his men, there was a higher power in the heavens guiding events to protect His followers.”
That’s your lesson.
If the Lord is with you, there’s no need to fear if you are fighting an enemy who possesses superior resources.
I leave you with this reminder from the prophet Isaiah:
“No weapon that is formed
against thee shall prosper;
and every tongue that shall
rise against thee in judgment
thou shalt condemn.
This is the heritage of the
servants of the LORD,
and their righteousness is
of me, saith the LORD.”
-Isaiah 54:17
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