2 Samuel 17:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Ahithophel {H302} saw {H7200} that his counsel {H6098} was not followed {H6213}, he saddled {H2280} his ass {H2543}, and arose {H6965}, and gat him home {H3212} to his house {H1004}, to his city {H5892}, and put his household {H1004} in order {H6680}, and hanged {H2614} himself, and died {H4191}, and was buried {H6912} in the sepulchre {H6913} of his father {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his affairs in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 17:23 records the tragic and deliberate suicide of Ahithophel, King David's former trusted counselor, after his shrewd advice to Absalom was rejected in favor of Hushai's divinely orchestrated counter-counsel. This verse meticulously details Ahithophel's final, premeditated actions—returning home, settling his affairs, and taking his own life—culminating in his burial, serving as a stark testament to the devastating consequences of pride, thwarted ambition, and betrayal against God's sovereign plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the grim climax to the narrative arc of Ahithophel within Absalom's rebellion, immediately following the pivotal moment where Hushai's deceptive counsel prevailed over Ahithophel's strategically superior advice. Ahithophel had urged Absalom to pursue David immediately, a plan that, if executed, would have almost certainly led to David's swift defeat and death ([2 Samuel 17:1-3](/2_samuel/17-1 "2 Samuel 17:1-3 - Ahithophel's Counsel to Pursue David")). However, David had sent Hushai as a double agent, and through divine intervention, Hushai's seemingly more cautious, yet ultimately disastrous, plan was adopted by Absalom and his elders ([2 Samuel 17:7-14](/2_samuel/17-7 "2 Samuel 17:7-14 - Hushai's Counter-Counsel")). Ahithophel's suicide underscores the profound impact of this decision, signaling not only his personal despair but also the inevitable failure of Absalom's entire rebellion, as Ahithophel, with his unparalleled wisdom, recognized the rebellion's doom once his counsel was disregarded.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, the role of a royal counselor was one of immense prestige and influence. Counselors like Ahithophel, whose advice was considered "as if one had inquired at the oracle of God" ([2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Esteemed Counsel")), held significant power and were often seen as indispensable to a ruler's success. For such a highly esteemed counselor to have his advice rejected was not merely a professional slight but a profound public humiliation and a direct challenge to his authority and wisdom. Furthermore, the act of suicide, while not explicitly condemned in the Old Testament, was generally viewed as a desperate and tragic act, often associated with deep shame or despair, as seen in the cases of Saul ([1 Samuel 31:4](/1_samuel/31-4 "1 Samuel 31:4 - Saul's Suicide")) and Zimri ([1 Kings 16:18](/1_kings/16-18 "1 Kings 16:18 - Zimri's Suicide")). Ahithophel's meticulous "putting his household in order" before his death reflects a cultural expectation of preparing for one's demise, even when self-inflicted, ensuring family affairs were settled.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes within the broader narrative of 2 Samuel. Firstly, it highlights the **consequences of pride and rejected counsel**, showing how Ahithophel's immense pride in his wisdom, when thwarted, led to utter despair and self-destruction. His inability to accept the rejection of his "infallible" advice reveals a deep-seated arrogance. Secondly, it profoundly emphasizes **divine sovereignty**; the text explicitly states that "the Lord had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring evil upon Absalom" ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")). This demonstrates that even the most brilliant human plans are subject to God's ultimate will and purpose, underscoring His control over human events and the destinies of nations and individuals ([Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Will Stand")). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **gravity and destructive power of betrayal**, as Ahithophel's actions represent a profound act of treachery against King David, his former master and friend, culminating in a self-inflicted demise that serves as a stark warning against such disloyalty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Counsel was not followed (Hebrew, _lo' na'asatah `etzahto'_):** This phrase literally means "his counsel was not done" or "his advice was not made to happen." It signifies more than mere disagreement; it implies a complete nullification or disregard of his strategic brilliance. For Ahithophel, whose advice was considered divine in its wisdom, this rejection was a profound public humiliation and a direct assault on his professional identity and personal pride, signaling the complete collapse of his influence and the certain failure of the rebellion.
* **Put his household in order (Hebrew, _wayyetsaw leveto'_):** This idiomatic expression indicates a deliberate and methodical settling of one's affairs, akin to writing a will or making final arrangements for one's family and estate before an anticipated death. It reveals that Ahithophel's decision to commit suicide was not an impulsive act of despair but a calculated, premeditated choice, carried out with chilling composure and a clear understanding of the finality of his action and its implications for his legacy and family.
* **Hanged himself (Hebrew, _wayyichanaq'_):** The verb `chanaq` specifically means "to strangle" or "to hang oneself." This stark and violent detail emphasizes the method of his suicide, highlighting the desperate and self-destructive nature of his end. It is a concise yet powerful description of a deliberate act of self-annihilation, leaving no ambiguity about the cause of his death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed":** This opening clause establishes the immediate trigger for Ahithophel's drastic action. The rejection of his counsel, which he believed to be infallible and essential for Absalom's victory, was the ultimate blow to his pride and his strategic foresight. He recognized that this decision sealed the rebellion's fate and, by extension, his own.
* **"he saddled [his] ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city":** This sequence of actions emphasizes the swiftness and determination of Ahithophel's departure. He wasted no time, immediately leaving Absalom's court to return to his hometown, Giloh ([2 Samuel 15:12](/2_samuel/15-12 "2 Samuel 15:12 - Ahithophel Joins Absalom")). This rapid retreat underscores his conviction that the rebellion was doomed and his own life was forfeit.
* **"and put his household in order":** This crucial detail reveals the premeditated nature of his suicide. Before taking his own life, Ahithophel meticulously arranged his domestic and financial affairs, ensuring his family would be cared for after his death. This act suggests a chilling rationality and control, even in the face of utter despair and impending self-destruction.
* **"and hanged himself, and died":** This is the stark and direct culmination of his actions. The method of death, hanging, is explicitly stated, leaving no doubt about the cause. It is a concise, unvarnished report of a self-inflicted end, emphasizing the finality of his choice and the tragic conclusion of his life.
* **"and was buried in the sepulchre of his father":** This final clause provides a sense of closure, noting that despite his betrayal and ignominious death, Ahithophel received a proper burial in his ancestral tomb. This detail might suggest a degree of respect from his family or community, or simply the fulfillment of a customary practice, even for a traitor.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Ahithophel's demise is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. **Irony** is prominent, as Ahithophel, whose counsel was revered "as if one had inquired at the oracle of God" ([2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Esteemed Counsel")), ultimately suffers death because his own counsel is rejected. This highlights the fallibility of even the most brilliant human wisdom when it opposes divine will. The rapid succession of verbs ("saddled," "arose," "gat him home," "put in order," "hanged," "died," "was buried") creates a sense of **brevity and conciseness**, emphasizing the swift and decisive nature of his final actions, almost like a summary judgment. Furthermore, the story employs **foreshadowing and parallelism**, particularly in its striking resemblance to the fate of Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed his master and died by hanging. This parallel suggests a recurring biblical pattern regarding the consequences of betrayal and unrepentant pride.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ahithophel's suicide serves as a profound theological statement on the limits of human wisdom and the absolute sovereignty of God. His downfall is not merely a consequence of rejected advice but a direct result of God's intervention to preserve David and thwart Absalom's rebellion. This narrative underscores the truth that God's purposes will prevail, even when confronted by the most astute human strategies or the most heinous acts of betrayal. It also highlights the destructive power of pride and the despair that can consume those who place their ultimate trust in their own intellect or power rather than in divine providence. Ahithophel's tragic end stands as a stark warning against aligning oneself against God's chosen, demonstrating that divine judgment can manifest even through the choices and actions of individuals.

* [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")
* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Will Stand")
* [Matthew 27:3-5](/matthew/27-3 "Matthew 27:3-5 - Judas's Remorse and Suicide")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ahithophel's story offers sober lessons for contemporary believers. His tragic end reminds us of the profound danger of unchecked pride and the destructive consequences of allowing our self-worth to be tied solely to our perceived wisdom or success. When our plans are thwarted, or our counsel rejected, it can be tempting to succumb to despair, resentment, or even anger. However, Ahithophel's response—a complete surrender to self-destruction—serves as a powerful warning against such a path. Instead, we are called to cultivate humility, recognizing that true wisdom comes from God and that His plans, not ours, will ultimately prevail. His story also challenges us to examine our loyalties: are we truly serving God's purposes, or are we, like Ahithophel, driven by personal ambition and a willingness to betray for gain? Trusting in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem to defy our understanding or frustrate our best efforts, is essential for spiritual resilience and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when my advice or plans are rejected, especially when I believe them to be superior?**
* **In what ways might pride in my own wisdom or abilities hinder my submission to God's sovereign will?**
* **What are the potential spiritual and emotional consequences of betrayal, whether against others or against God's calling on my life?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's overarching plan, even when it diverges significantly from my own desires or expectations?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: Ahithophel's counsel was renowned for its exceptional shrewdness and strategic brilliance. The Bible 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: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom" ([2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Esteemed Counsel")). This indicates that his advice was consistently accurate, insightful, and almost prophetic in its effectiveness, making him an invaluable asset to any ruler. His plan to immediately pursue David and his weary men was indeed the most strategically sound move for Absalom to secure his rebellion ([2 Samuel 17:1-4](/2_samuel/17-1 "2 Samuel 17:1-4 - Ahithophel's Sound Counsel")).

**Was Ahithophel's suicide an act of despair or a calculated decision?**

Answer: The biblical account strongly suggests Ahithophel's suicide was a calculated and deliberate decision rather than an impulsive act of despair. The verse states he "put his household in order" ([2 Samuel 17:23](/2_samuel/17-23 "2 Samuel 17:23 - Ahithophel's Suicide")), which implies he meticulously settled his affairs and prepared his family for his impending death. This level of foresight and planning indicates a chilling composure and a clear understanding of the consequences of his rejected counsel. He likely recognized that with his advice disregarded, Absalom's rebellion was doomed, and David, upon his return to power, would undoubtedly execute him for his profound betrayal. His suicide was a way to choose his own end rather than face certain execution and disgrace.

**What is the significance of Ahithophel being buried in his father's sepulchre?**

Answer: The detail that Ahithophel "was buried in the sepulchre of his father" ([2 Samuel 17:23](/2_samuel/17-23 "2 Samuel 17:23 - Ahithophel's Burial")) is significant. Despite his act of betrayal against King David and his ignominious death by suicide, he still received a proper burial in his family's ancestral tomb. In ancient Israel, burial was a crucial aspect of honoring the dead and ensuring their place among their ancestors. To be denied burial was a severe disgrace. This detail suggests that, despite his actions, his family or community still afforded him the customary respect of a proper burial, perhaps out of tradition or a desire to maintain family honor, even if his personal honor was lost. It provides a final, somewhat poignant, touch to his tragic end.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of Ahithophel, particularly his betrayal of King David and his subsequent suicide, serves as a profound Old Testament foreshadowing of the ultimate betrayal of the Son of David, Jesus Christ. Ahithophel, a trusted counselor, turned against his king, just as Judas Iscariot, a trusted disciple, betrayed Jesus. Both acts of betrayal were motivated by complex factors, yet both led to the betrayer's self-inflicted death by hanging ([Matthew 27:5](/matthew/27-5 "Matthew 27:5 - Judas's Suicide")). This striking parallel highlights a consistent biblical pattern: the severe consequences of rejecting and betraying God's anointed. However, the contrast is even more significant. While Ahithophel's counsel was thwarted by divine intervention to save David, Jesus willingly laid down His life, allowing the betrayal to fulfill God's redemptive plan ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). The rejection of Ahithophel's counsel led to his despair and death, but the rejection of Jesus by humanity, culminating in His crucifixion, led not to despair but to the ultimate victory over sin and death through His resurrection ([Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Ahithophel's story, therefore, underscores the depths of human depravity and the destructive power of pride and betrayal, while simultaneously pointing to the greater narrative of Christ's perfect faithfulness, His willingness to endure betrayal, and His ultimate triumph that secures eternal life for all who trust in Him ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")).

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

Matthew 27:5

And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

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 Kings 20:1

¶ In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

Psalms 5:10

Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.

1 Kings 16:18

And it came to pass, when Zimri saw that the city was taken, that he went into the palace of the king's house, and burnt the king's house over him with fire, and died,

2 Samuel 15:31

¶ And [one] told David, saying, Ahithophel [is] among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

Psalms 55:23

But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.