2 Samuel 15:31
2 Samuel 15:31 in Multiple Translations
Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”
¶ 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.
And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O Jehovah, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.
And word came to David, saying, Ahithophel is among those who are joined to Absalom. And David said, O Lord, let the wisdom of Ahithophel be made foolish.
David was told, “Ahithophel is one of the people conspiring with Absalom.” So David prayed, “Lord, please make Ahithophel's advice worthless.”
Then one tolde Dauid, saying, Ahithophel is one of them that haue cospired with Absalom: and Dauid sayde, O Lord, I pray thee, turne the counsell of Ahithophel into foolishnesse.
and David declared, saying, 'Ahithophel [is] among the conspirators with Absalom;' and David saith, 'Make foolish, I pray Thee, the counsel of Ahithophel, O Jehovah.'
Someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” David said, “LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.”
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.
And it was told David that Achitophel also was in the conspiracy with Absalom, and David said: Infatuate, O Lord, I beseech thee, the counsel of Achitophel.
Someone told David that Ahithophel had joined with those who were rebelling against David. So David prayed, “Yahweh, cause whatever Ahithophel suggests to Absalom that he should do to be considered to be foolish!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 15:31
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2 Samuel 15:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 15:31
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 15:31
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 15:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 15:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 15:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:31
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:31
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:31
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 15:31
Context — David Weeps at the Mount of Olives
31Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”
32When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head. 33David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 17:14 | Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 17:23 | 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. |
| 3 | James 3:15 | Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. |
| 4 | Psalms 41:9 | Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. |
| 5 | Job 5:12 | He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 16:23 | 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. |
| 7 | Isaiah 19:11–25 | The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”? Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt. The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray. The LORD has poured into her a spirit of confusion. Egypt has been led astray in all she does, as a drunkard staggers through his own vomit. There is nothing Egypt can do— head or tail, palm or reed. In that day the Egyptians will be like women. They will tremble with fear beneath the uplifted hand of the LORD of Hosts, when He brandishes it against them. The land of Judah will bring terror to Egypt; whenever Judah is mentioned, Egypt will tremble over what the LORD of Hosts has planned against it. In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of Hosts. One of them will be called the City of the Sun. In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the center of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD near her border. It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of Hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, He will send them a savior and defender to rescue them. The LORD will make Himself known to Egypt, and on that day Egypt will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and fulfill them. And the LORD will strike Egypt with a plague; He will strike them but heal them. They will turn to the LORD, and He will hear their prayers and heal them. In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt, and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. In that day Israel will join a three-party alliance with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing upon the earth. The LORD of Hosts will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt My people, Assyria My handiwork, and Israel My inheritance.” |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 1:20 | Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 3:18–20 | Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” |
| 10 | Job 12:16–20 | True wisdom and power belong to Him. The deceived and the deceiver are His. He leads counselors away barefoot and makes fools of judges. He loosens the bonds placed by kings and fastens a belt around their waists. He leads priests away barefoot and overthrows the established. He deprives the trusted of speech and takes away the discernment of elders. |
2 Samuel 15:31 Summary
[This verse shows that David was very concerned when he heard that his trusted advisor, Ahithophel, had joined his son Absalom's rebellion. David knew that Ahithophel was very wise and that his counsel could make a big difference in the outcome of the rebellion. So, David prayed to God, asking Him to make Ahithophel's plans seem foolish, just like what happened to the people who built the tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9. By praying this way, David was trusting in God's power and wisdom to guide and protect him, as seen in Psalm 23:4, where David says that even in the darkest valley, God is with him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was David so concerned about Ahithophel's involvement with Absalom?
David was concerned because Ahithophel was a wise and experienced counselor, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:23, and his counsel could make a significant difference in the outcome of the rebellion, as noted in 2 Samuel 17:14.
What does it mean for God to 'turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness'?
This means that David was asking God to make Ahithophel's wise and clever plans seem foolish and ineffective, much like what happened to the builders of the tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9, where God confused their language and thwarted their plans.
How did David know that Ahithophel had joined Absalom's conspiracy?
The verse doesn't specify how David received this information, but it's possible that one of his loyal supporters or spies informed him, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:32-37, where Hushai meets David and provides him with information about Absalom's plans.
Is this verse an example of David praying for his enemies?
While David is not exactly praying for Ahithophel's well-being, he is praying that God would thwart Ahithophel's plans, which is similar to the principle found in Matthew 5:44, where Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply David's prayer to my own life, when faced with opposition or challenges?
- How can I, like David, trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom, even when things seem uncertain or difficult?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of seeking God's guidance and intervention in times of crisis?
- In what ways can I, like David, demonstrate humility and dependence on God, especially when faced with adversity or betrayal?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 15:31
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 15:31
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:31
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:31
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:31
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:31
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:31
Sermons on 2 Samuel 15:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Ii Samuel 17:23 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the tragic story of Ahithophel, a once-trusted advisor to King David who became a poor loser after aligning himself with Absalom. Despite his wisdom, Ahithoph |
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A Fully Soulish Man by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee discusses the concept of the 'soulish man,' emphasizing that such individuals, whether unregenerated or soulish believers, lack spiritual discernment and understanding |
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The Soul and Deception by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks addresses the pervasive nature of deception in humanity, tracing its roots back to the Fall and emphasizing that enlightenment through civilization and education h |
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Epistle 154 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of living a chaste and pure life, warning against the dangers of lust and unchasteness that lead to strife and contention. He encourages believ |
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‘And to Be Desired to Make One wise.’ by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes that humanity's spiritual nature is designed to know and enjoy God, yet it often seeks wisdom in the world instead. This pursuit leads to a reliance on wor |
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Signs of the Times by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan addresses the contrasting movements in society regarding materialism and the search for spirituality, highlighting how materialistic views have permeated life ou |
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Epistle 187 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about dwelling in the love of God together to be built up, warning against enmity, discord, and worldly wisdom that lead to disobedience and questioning. He emp |






