2 Samuel 16:23

KJV

And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, [was] as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so [was] all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the counsel {H6098} of Ahithophel {H302}, which he counselled {H3289} in those days {H3117}, was as if a man {H376} had enquired {H7592} at the oracle {H1697} of God {H430}: so was all the counsel {H6098} of Ahithophel {H302} both with David {H1732} and with Absalom {H53}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In those days Achitofel's advice was regarded as highly as if someone had sought out the word of God; it was this way with Achitofel's advice both to David and to Avshalom.

Berean Standard Bible

Now in those days the advice of Ahithophel was like the consultation of the word of God. Such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice.

American Standard Version

And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 16:23 vividly portrays the extraordinary reputation and perceived infallibility of Ahithophel's counsel during the tumultuous period of Absalom's rebellion against King David. This verse underscores the profound impact of Ahithophel's defection, establishing his strategic advice as virtually unquestionable, akin to a direct divine revelation, thereby highlighting the immense threat he posed to David's throne.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed amidst the escalating crisis of Absalom's rebellion, immediately following David's hasty flight from Jerusalem. Earlier in the narrative, Absalom had secretly cultivated a following and launched a coup (cf. [2 Samuel 15:7-12](/2_samuel/15-7 "2 Samuel 15:7-12 - Absalom's Rebellion Begins")). David, upon hearing of the widespread support for Absalom, chose to flee to avoid bloodshed in Jerusalem (cf. [2 Samuel 15:13-17](/2_samuel/15-13 "2 Samuel 15:13-17 - David Flees Jerusalem")). A critical turning point was Ahithophel's shocking defection from David's trusted inner circle to Absalom's side (cf. [2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - Ahithophel Joins Absalom")). This verse, [2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Counsel"), serves to emphasize the gravity of Ahithophel's betrayal by explaining *why* his counsel was so dangerous and highly valued by Absalom. It sets the stage for the dramatic confrontation of counsel between Ahithophel and Hushai, David's loyal spy, in [2 Samuel 17](/2_samuel/17 "2 Samuel 17 - Ahithophel's Counsel Thwarted"), ultimately leading to Ahithophel's demise.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, advisors played a crucial role, often holding significant power and influence. Kings relied on their wisdom for military strategy, political maneuvering, and administrative decisions. The concept of "enquiring at the oracle of God" refers to seeking divine guidance, typically through priestly means like the Urim and Thummim (cf. [Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Urim and Thummim")) or through prophetic revelation. For Ahithophel's counsel to be compared to such a divine consultation speaks volumes about his unparalleled reputation for sagacity and foresight. This comparison would have been understood by the original audience as the highest possible commendation for human wisdom, implying that his advice was not merely good, but virtually infallible and divinely inspired in its accuracy. His defection was therefore not just a personal betrayal, but a strategic coup for Absalom, lending immense credibility and tactical advantage to the rebellion.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Samuel. Firstly, it highlights the **Power of Human Wisdom**, showcasing Ahithophel as an individual whose strategic intellect was so profound it rivaled divine insight, making him an indispensable asset. Secondly, it underscores the devastating impact of **Betrayal**, as Ahithophel's defection from David, a trusted confidant, immediately elevated Absalom's rebellion to a formidable threat. David himself recognized this, praying 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")). Most importantly, this verse sets up the profound theme of **Divine Sovereignty Over Human Plans**. Despite Ahithophel's seemingly infallible wisdom, the narrative later reveals that God directly intervened to frustrate his counsel through Hushai's counter-advice (cf. [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")), demonstrating that even the most brilliant human schemes are ultimately subject to God's will and purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Counsel (עֵצָה, _‘etsah'_):** This Hebrew word refers to advice, counsel, or a plan. It denotes strategic thinking and deliberate planning, often with significant consequences. In Ahithophel's case, it signifies his highly regarded ability to formulate effective and decisive courses of action, particularly in military and political contexts. The repetition of "counsel" emphasizes the very essence of his renowned skill.
* **Oracle of God (כִּדְבַר אֱלֹהִים, _k'dvar Elohim'_):** This phrase literally translates to "as the word of God." The KJV's "oracle of God" captures the essence of divine communication—a pronouncement or revelation from God, considered infallible and authoritative. The comparison elevates Ahithophel's human advice to the level of divine inspiration, implying that his counsel was consistently accurate, wise, and virtually unquestionable, as if it came directly from God Himself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days":** This opening clause immediately identifies the subject: Ahithophel's advice. The phrase "in those days" situates his renowned wisdom within the context of the ongoing rebellion, emphasizing its immediate relevance and impact on the unfolding events. It highlights that his reputation for sagacity was not new, but consistently proven.
* **"[was] as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God":** This is the core of the verse, employing a powerful simile. It describes the extraordinary quality and perceived infallibility of Ahithophel's advice. To "enquire at the oracle of God" meant to seek direct, authoritative, and infallible guidance from the divine, often through priestly consultation (e.g., Urim and Thummim) or prophetic pronouncements. The comparison suggests that Ahithophel's human wisdom was so consistently accurate and insightful that it was treated with the same reverence and trust as a divine word.
* **"so [was] all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom":** This concluding clause reinforces the preceding statement by extending its scope. It confirms that Ahithophel's reputation for infallible counsel was not new or limited to Absalom's court. Rather, it was a long-standing and universally acknowledged fact, having been true during his time as David's advisor as well. This emphasizes the magnitude of David's loss and Absalom's gain, as Ahithophel's wisdom was consistently reliable, regardless of whom he served.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Simile**, directly comparing Ahithophel's counsel to "as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God." This comparison elevates his human wisdom to a near-divine status, emphasizing its perceived infallibility and authority. There is an element of **Hyperbole** in this comparison, as no human counsel is truly equivalent to a divine oracle; this exaggeration serves to underscore the profound trust and reliance placed upon Ahithophel's judgment. Furthermore, the verse contains significant **Foreshadowing**. By establishing Ahithophel's counsel as supremely wise, the narrative implicitly sets up the dramatic tension for its ultimate frustration by divine intervention, as seen in [2 Samuel 17](/2_samuel/17 "2 Samuel 17 - Ahithophel's Counsel Thwarted"). This also introduces a subtle **Irony**, as counsel deemed "as if from God" is precisely what God Himself will later choose to nullify.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the tension between human wisdom and divine sovereignty. Ahithophel's counsel, though supremely insightful by human standards and highly esteemed, ultimately proves fallible when it stands in opposition to God's divine plan. The narrative implicitly teaches that even the most brilliant human strategies are subject to the will of the Almighty. It serves as a powerful reminder that true wisdom originates from God, and reliance on human intellect alone, no matter how impressive, can lead to ruin if it does not align with divine purposes. God's ability to "turn human wisdom into foolishness" is a recurring biblical theme, ensuring that His ultimate will prevails.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways")
* [1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - The Foolishness of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Ahithophel's esteemed counsel and its eventual frustration offers profound lessons for believers today. In a world that often prizes human intelligence, strategic acumen, and worldly success, this verse reminds us that even the most brilliant human plans are ultimately contingent upon God's sovereign will. We are called to exercise discernment, recognizing that not all seemingly wise advice, even from highly respected sources, is necessarily aligned with God's perfect will. Our ultimate trust must always be in the Lord, seeking His guidance through prayer, His Word, and the counsel of the Holy Spirit, rather than relying solely on human brilliance or popular opinion. When faced with formidable opposition or seemingly insurmountable challenges, we can find peace and confidence in the knowledge that God is sovereign over all things. He can and does intervene to turn even the wisest human counsel into foolishness when it opposes His divine plan, demonstrating His power to protect His people and advance His purposes. This should encourage us to submit our plans to Him, knowing that His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts than our thoughts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you discern between genuinely wise counsel and counsel that merely *appears* wise but may contradict God's will?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely more on human wisdom or strategic planning than on God's guidance?**
* **How does the sovereignty of God, as demonstrated in the frustration of Ahithophel's counsel, bring comfort and peace to your own life when facing daunting challenges?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more consistently "enquire at the oracle of God" in your daily decisions?**

### FAQ

**Why was Ahithophel's counsel considered so special?**

Answer: Ahithophel's counsel was considered exceptionally special because of its consistent accuracy, foresight, and strategic brilliance. The text explicitly states it was "as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God," which is the highest possible commendation for human wisdom in ancient Israel. This comparison meant that his advice was perceived as virtually infallible and divinely inspired, making it highly trusted and rarely questioned. His reputation was so strong that his counsel was equally valued by both King David and Absalom, indicating a long-standing and universally acknowledged track record of profound insight.

**How was Ahithophel's counsel ultimately frustrated, despite its reputation?**

Answer: Despite its esteemed reputation, Ahithophel's counsel was ultimately frustrated by divine intervention. After Ahithophel advised Absalom to immediately pursue and attack David (cf. [2 Samuel 17:1-4](/2_samuel/17-1 "2 Samuel 17:1-4 - Ahithophel's Counsel to Pursue David")), David's loyal friend and spy, Hushai, offered counter-counsel. Hushai's advice, which was more flattering to Absalom's ego and proposed a slower, more elaborate plan (cf. [2 Samuel 17:7-13](/2_samuel/17-7 "2 Samuel 17:7-13 - Hushai's Counter-Counsel")), was ultimately chosen by Absalom. The Bible explicitly states that "the Lord had purposed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring evil upon Absalom" ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")). Thus, God directly intervened through Hushai to thwart Ahithophel's seemingly perfect plan, demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty over human wisdom and events.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Ahithophel's esteemed yet ultimately frustrated counsel points forward to the perfect and unthwartable wisdom of God embodied in Jesus Christ. While Ahithophel's human wisdom was likened to a divine oracle, it remained finite and susceptible to divine intervention. In contrast, Jesus is the very **Logos**, the "Word of God" made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation")). He is the true and ultimate "oracle of God," not merely offering counsel *like* God, but being God Himself, the source of all wisdom and knowledge ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom")). The world, in its human wisdom, often rejects Christ and His message, viewing the cross as foolishness ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross")). Yet, it is precisely this "foolishness" of God that proves wiser than the greatest human intellect, for through it, God accomplishes salvation ([1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - The Foolishness of God")). Unlike Ahithophel's counsel, which was thwarted by God, God's plan of redemption through Christ cannot be defeated by any human or demonic scheme ([Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27 "Acts 4:27-28 - God's Sovereign Plan"), [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - God Works All Things According to His Will")). Jesus, as the ultimate King, reigns not by human strategy but by divine authority, ensuring that His kingdom will never be overthrown, and His counsel, unlike Ahithophel's, is eternally perfect and unassailable.

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

2 Samuel 15:12

And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, [even] from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.

2 Samuel 17:14

And 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 appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom.

2 Samuel 17:23

And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled [his] ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.

Jeremiah 4:22

For my people [is] foolish, they have not known me; they [are] sottish children, and they have none understanding: they [are] wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

Psalms 28:2

Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.

Luke 16:8

And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

Psalms 19:7

¶ The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple.