2 Samuel 16:20

KJV

Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} Absalom {H53} to Ahithophel {H302}, Give {H3051} counsel {H6098} among you what we shall do {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avshalom said to Achitofel, "Give your advice as to what we should do."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me counsel. What should we do?”

American Standard Version

Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give your counsel what we shall do.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Absalom, having seized Jerusalem in his rebellion against King David, immediately seeks strategic counsel from Ahithophel, David's former trusted advisor who has now defected. This pivotal moment underscores Absalom's urgent need to solidify his illegitimate claim to the throne and determine the next steps in his usurpation, setting the stage for Ahithophel's infamous and ultimately frustrated advice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion, following King David's hurried flight from Jerusalem (as described in [2 Samuel 15:13-17](/2_samuel/15-13 "2 Samuel 15:13-17 - David Flees Jerusalem")). Absalom has just entered Jerusalem, effectively taking control of the capital without a fight. His first act as the de facto ruler is to consult Ahithophel, a move that highlights the immediate need for a strategic plan to legitimize his seizure of power and prevent David's return. The question posed in [2 Samuel 16:20](/2_samuel/16-20 "2 Samuel 16:20 - Absalom Seeks Counsel from Ahithophel") directly precedes Ahithophel's counsel in [2 Samuel 16:21-23](/2_samuel/16-21 "2 Samuel 16:21-23 - Ahithophel's Counsel to Absalom"), which advises a public and irreversible act of defiance against David, designed to alienate the people from their rightful king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, securing the capital city was a crucial step in establishing a new reign, even an illegitimate one. However, simply occupying the city was not enough; a new ruler needed to demonstrate authority and deter any counter-rebellion. Seeking counsel from a renowned advisor like Ahithophel, whose wisdom was legendary (as noted in [2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Counsel as the Word of God")), was a customary and expected action for any leader, legitimate or otherwise. The act of publicly taking David's concubines, as Ahithophel suggests, was a symbolic act of usurpation, asserting full dominion over the previous king's household and, by extension, his kingdom, a practice with parallels in other ancient Near Eastern successions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel. It highlights the theme of **usurpation and rebellion**, as Absalom actively seeks to consolidate his illegitimate claim to the throne. The presence of Ahithophel underscores the profound theme of **betrayal**, as a trusted advisor to David now turns his wisdom against his former king, illustrating the deep personal and political fractures within David's kingdom. Furthermore, the very act of seeking counsel, even for a wicked purpose, subtly introduces the theme of **divine sovereignty**; though human schemes are at play, the broader narrative of 2 Samuel, particularly in [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel"), reveals that God ultimately frustrates Ahithophel's "wise" counsel, demonstrating that even the most astute human plans are subject to God's overarching purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Counsel (Hebrew, יָעַץ, _ya'ats'_):** This verb means "to advise," "to consult," "to deliberate," or "to plan." It often carries a connotation of strategic or political guidance, particularly in matters of state or warfare. In this context, Absalom is not seeking general advice but specific, actionable strategy for how to secure his newly seized power and proceed with his rebellion. The choice of this word emphasizes the gravity of the situation and Ahithophel's reputation as a shrewd and effective strategist whose counsel was highly valued.
* **Do (Hebrew, עָשָׂה, _'asah'_):** This verb is a broad term meaning "to make," "to do," "to act," or "to perform." Here, it signifies Absalom's desire for a concrete course of action. He is not merely seeking theoretical discussion but practical steps to implement his usurpation. The combination of "counsel" and "do" indicates Absalom's intent to move swiftly and decisively based on Ahithophel's strategic advice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Absalom to Ahithophel,"**: This clause establishes the direct interaction between the new, illegitimate ruler and his key advisor. Absalom, though in control of Jerusalem, immediately recognizes his need for strategic guidance, signaling his reliance on Ahithophel's renowned wisdom. This also highlights the shocking betrayal, as Ahithophel, formerly David's trusted counselor, now stands ready to advise David's rebellious son.
* **"Give counsel among you what we shall do."**: This is Absalom's direct command and question. The phrase "among you" (literally, "for yourselves" or "for us") implies a collective deliberation, though Ahithophel is the primary recipient of the request. Absalom is asking for a clear, actionable plan for consolidating his power and prosecuting the rebellion. The urgency of "what we shall do" underscores the critical juncture: Absalom has taken the city but now needs to solidify his position and prevent David's potential counter-attack.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is present, as the reader is aware of God's overarching plan for David and his kingdom, even as Absalom and Ahithophel scheme. The audience knows that Ahithophel's "wise" counsel, though seemingly brilliant, will ultimately be frustrated by divine intervention (as seen in [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")). There is also a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the tragic end of Ahithophel, whose counsel, though initially accepted, will lead to his downfall when it is ultimately rejected. The scene itself is an act of **Symbolism**, representing the complete rupture between Absalom and David, as Absalom seeks to establish his own authority by turning to David's former confidant for advice on how to dismantle David's rule.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though brief, is rich in theological implications. It highlights the profound danger of seeking counsel for wicked purposes, even from those renowned for wisdom. Absalom's rebellion is an affront to God's anointed king, and his consultation with Ahithophel, a man whose counsel was "as if one had inquired at the oracle of God" ([2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Counsel as the Word of God")), demonstrates the perversion of wisdom when it is applied to ungodly ends. The narrative implicitly contrasts human wisdom, however astute, with divine sovereignty. While Absalom and Ahithophel plot, God is ultimately in control, orchestrating events to protect His chosen king and frustrate the plans of the wicked. This serves as a powerful reminder that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, and any counsel that deviates from God's righteous path, no matter how clever, is ultimately folly in His sight.

* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many Plans, But the Lord's Purpose Stands")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of the Nations")
* [Isaiah 29:15-16](/isaiah/29-15 "Isaiah 29:15-16 - Woe to Those Who Hide Their Plans from the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Samuel 16:20 serves as a potent reminder that the source and purpose of our counsel are paramount. Absalom, in his ambition, sought the most esteemed human wisdom available, but he sought it for a rebellious and self-serving end. This led not to lasting success, but to his eventual downfall and the tragic end of his advisor. For us, this highlights the critical importance of discerning the counsel we receive and the counsel we give. Are we seeking wisdom that aligns with God's will and righteous character, or are we merely looking for strategies to achieve our own desires, even if they contradict divine principles? True wisdom is not merely intellectual shrewdness, but a moral and spiritual orientation towards God's truth. We are called to seek counsel from those who fear the Lord and whose advice is rooted in His Word, ensuring that our plans and actions are built on a foundation that will endure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What kind of counsel do I typically seek when facing major decisions, and what are my motivations for seeking it?**
* **How do I discern between wise counsel that aligns with God's will and counsel that, though seemingly shrewd, might lead me astray?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to prioritize human strategy over divine guidance?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater reliance on God's wisdom, as revealed in His Word, in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ahithophel's counsel so highly regarded?**

Answer: Ahithophel was renowned for his extraordinary wisdom and strategic acumen. [2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Counsel as the Word of God") explicitly states that "the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God." This indicates that his advice was considered virtually infallible and divinely inspired by those who heard it, making his defection to Absalom a significant blow to David and a major asset to the rebellion. His counsel was practical, decisive, and often ruthless, designed to achieve immediate and complete victory.

**What was Ahithophel's famous counsel to Absalom immediately after this verse?**

Answer: Immediately following Absalom's request for counsel, Ahithophel advised Absalom to publicly lie with David's concubines on the roof of the palace ([2 Samuel 16:21-22](/2_samuel/16-21 "2 Samuel 16:21-22 - Ahithophel's Counsel to Absalom Regarding David's Concubines")). This act was designed to be an irreversible and public declaration of Absalom's complete break with his father and his full usurpation of David's authority and kingdom. It would signal to all of Israel that Absalom was the new king and that reconciliation with David was impossible, thereby solidifying support for his rebellion.

**How does God frustrate Ahithophel's counsel later in the narrative?**

Answer: Although Ahithophel's initial counsel to Absalom was accepted, his subsequent, even more strategic advice to pursue David immediately was ultimately frustrated by God. David, through his loyal servant Hushai, prayed that God would "turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness" ([2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - David's Prayer Regarding Ahithophel's Counsel")). God answered this prayer by enabling Hushai to offer alternative counsel to Absalom, which, though seemingly less decisive, appealed to Absalom's vanity and was ultimately accepted over Ahithophel's. As a result, [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel") explicitly states, "For the Lord had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring evil upon Absalom." This divine intervention allowed David time to regroup and ultimately led to Absalom's defeat.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of Absalom's rebellion, culminating in his seeking counsel for usurpation, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Unlike Absalom, who sought to seize an earthly throne through treachery and human cunning, Jesus is the true and rightful King, whose kingdom "is not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")). While Absalom relied on Ahithophel's flawed human wisdom, even that which was considered "as if one had inquired at the oracle of God," Jesus embodies divine wisdom itself, being "the power of God, and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")). The betrayal David experienced at the hands of Ahithophel foreshadows the ultimate betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot ([Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47 "Matthew 26:47-50 - Judas Betrays Jesus")), yet this betrayal, unlike Absalom's, was part of God's perfect plan for salvation. Ultimately, all human schemes and rebellions against God's anointed King, whether David or Christ, are destined to fail, as illustrated by the frustration of Ahithophel's counsel. Jesus' reign is eternal, established not by human might or cunning, but by God's sovereign power and His sacrificial love, ensuring that "of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end" ([Isaiah 9:7](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - The Everlasting Kingdom of the Messiah")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 21:30

¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

Acts 4:23

¶ And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

Acts 4:28

For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

Exodus 1:10

Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and [so] get them up out of the land.

Isaiah 29:15

Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?

Psalms 2:2

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying],

Isaiah 8:10

Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God [is] with us.