“When Achitofel saw that his advice was not being followed, he saddled his donkey, set out, and went home to his own city. After setting his house in order, he hanged himself; he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.”-2 Samuel 17:23
From verse 23, the scene suddenly switches back to Jerusalem.
Achitofel saw that Absalom had completely ignored his advice.
Being a smart man, he could see the writing on the wall.
He knew this rebellion against David was going to fail.
He was also a bitter man who possessed a vengeful spirit.
He never could forgive the King for having an affair with Bathsheba, his granddaughter.
The dishonor and shame that David brought to his family were too much to bear.
Tragically for him, failed revolutions never go well for their participants.
Achitofel knew he was doomed.
So he decided to take his life before David took it.
We’re told he returned to his hometown, took care of his affairs, and hanged himself.
What’s the takeaway from this?
Achitofel thought his cleverness and superior intelligence would win against David, that murderer and adulterer, as he saw him.
However, his pride, bitterness, and rebellion against God’s King ultimately led to his downfall.
And that’s your lesson for today.
Anyone who opposes God’s anointed is doomed for destruction.
You may try to scheme, plot, or justify your behavior.
But your end is just as certain as Achitofel and Judas, who came after him.
You’re just like the “Free Palestine” protestors I see out on the streets these days (yes, even here in Tokyo).
They are on the wrong side of history and have sided with the devil.
God’s chosen people and his anointed rulers cannot be overthrown.
The only way to life is through humility, obedience, and trusting the Lord… even if it doesn’t make sense.
Ya feel me?
Done.
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