2 Samuel 16:23
2 Samuel 16:23 in Multiple Translations
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.
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.
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.
In those days the opinions of Ahithophel were valued as highly as if through him a man might get direction from God; so were they valued by David as much as by Absalom.
At that time Ahithophel's advice was like receiving messages from God himself. This was how both David and Absalom viewed Ahithophel's advice.
And the counsell of Ahithophel which he counseled in those dayes, was like as one had asked counsell at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with Dauid and with Absalom.
And the counsel of Ahithophel which he counselled in those days [is] as [when] one inquireth at the word of God; so [is] all the counsel of Ahithophel both to David and to Absalom.
The counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man inquired at the inner sanctuary of God. All the counsel of Ahithophel was like this both with David and with Absalom.
And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counseled 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.
Now the counsel of Achitophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man should consult God: so was all the counsel of Achitophel, both when he was with David, and when he was with Absalom.
In those days, people accepted what Ahithophel recommended as though he were speaking the words of God. So just as David had always accepted what Ahithophel said, now Absalom did also.
So Absalom took notice of that wise man’s story, just like his father used to take notice of him. They both thought that he talked straight, just like God does. So they always listened to him carefully.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 16:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 16:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/עֲצַ֣ת
אֲחִיתֹ֗פֶל
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
יָעַץ֙
בַּ/יָּמִ֣ים
הָ/הֵ֔ם
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
יִשְׁאַל
אִ֖ישׁ
בִּ/דְבַ֣ר
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
כֵּ֚ן
כָּל
עֲצַ֣ת
אֲחִיתֹ֔פֶל
גַּם
לְ/דָוִ֖ד
גַּ֥ם
לְ/אַבְשָׁלֹֽם
וַ/עֲצַ֣ת
ʻêtsâh
H6098
counsel
Conj | N-fs
אֲחִיתֹ֗פֶל
ʼĂchîythôphel
H302
Ahithophel
N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יָעַץ֙
yâʻats
H3289
to advise
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בַּ/יָּמִ֣ים
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-mp
הָ/הֵ֔ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Art | Pron
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
יִשְׁאַל
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
בִּ/דְבַ֣ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-ms
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
כֵּ֚ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
עֲצַ֣ת
ʻêtsâh
H6098
counsel
N-fs
אֲחִיתֹ֔פֶל
ʼĂchîythôphel
H302
Ahithophel
N-proper
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
לְ/דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Prep | N-proper
גַּ֥ם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
לְ/אַבְשָׁלֹֽם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
Absalom
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 16:23
וַ/עֲצַ֣ת
ʻêtsâh
H6098
"counsel"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word means counsel or advice, implying a plan or purpose. It is used in the Bible when describing wise decision-making.
Definition: counsel, advice, purpose
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose. See also: Deuteronomy 32:28; Psalms 107:11; Psalms 1:1.
אֲחִיתֹ֗פֶל
ʼĂchîythôphel
H302
"Ahithophel"
N-proper
Ahithophel was an Israelite who lived during King David's time and was one of his closest advisors. His name means 'my brother is foolish' and he is known for joining Absalom's rebellion against David. Ahithophel is also the grandfather of Bathsheba.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.15.12; father of: Eliam (H0463H) § Ahithophel = "my brother is foolish (folly)" a counsellor of David, grandfather of Bathsheba (cf 2Sa 11:3, 23:34), who joined Absalom in revolt against David, and committed suicide when Absalom did not heed his counsel
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Ahithophel. See also: 2 Samuel 15:12; 2 Samuel 17:6; 1 Chronicles 27:34.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יָעַץ֙
yâʻats
H3289
"to advise"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to advise or counsel someone, like giving guidance or planning something. It is used in the Bible to describe people seeking advice or working together to make a plan. The KJV translates it as advise or counsel.
Definition: 1) to advise, consult, give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, plan 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to advise, counsel, give counsel, consult 1a2) counsellor (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to consult together, exchange counsel, deliberate, counsel together 1c) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. See also: Exodus 18:19; Job 26:3; Psalms 16:7.
בַּ/יָּמִ֣ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הָ/הֵ֔ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִשְׁאַל
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
בִּ/דְבַ֣ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
כֵּ֚ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עֲצַ֣ת
ʻêtsâh
H6098
"counsel"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means counsel or advice, implying a plan or purpose. It is used in the Bible when describing wise decision-making.
Definition: counsel, advice, purpose
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose. See also: Deuteronomy 32:28; Psalms 107:11; Psalms 1:1.
אֲחִיתֹ֔פֶל
ʼĂchîythôphel
H302
"Ahithophel"
N-proper
Ahithophel was an Israelite who lived during King David's time and was one of his closest advisors. His name means 'my brother is foolish' and he is known for joining Absalom's rebellion against David. Ahithophel is also the grandfather of Bathsheba.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.15.12; father of: Eliam (H0463H) § Ahithophel = "my brother is foolish (folly)" a counsellor of David, grandfather of Bathsheba (cf 2Sa 11:3, 23:34), who joined Absalom in revolt against David, and committed suicide when Absalom did not heed his counsel
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Ahithophel. See also: 2 Samuel 15:12; 2 Samuel 17:6; 1 Chronicles 27:34.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
לְ/דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Prep | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
גַּ֥ם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
לְ/אַבְשָׁלֹֽם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
"Absalom"
Prep | N-proper
Absalom was a son of King David, mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:3, and had several half-brothers. He is also referred to as Abishalom in some translations. Absalom played a significant role in the United Monarchy period.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3; son of: David (H1732) and Maacah (H4601I); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); father of: Tamar (H8559I); also called Abishalom at 1Ki.15.2,10; § Absalom or Abishalom = "my father is peace" 1) father-in-law of Rehoboam 2) third son of David, killer of first-born son Amnon, also leader of revolt against his father-David
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: Abishalom, Absalom. See also: 2 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 3:1.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 16:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 16:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 16:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:23
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:23
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 16:23
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:23
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 16:23
Context — The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai
21Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.”
22So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.
23Now 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.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 15:12 | While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 3:19–20 | 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.” |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 10:1 | As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 4:22 | “For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” |
| 7 | Job 28:28 | And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” |
| 8 | Job 5:12 | He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success. |
| 9 | Numbers 27:21 | He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.” |
| 10 | 1 Peter 4:11 | If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. |
2 Samuel 16:23 Summary
This verse tells us that Ahithophel's advice was extremely valuable to both King David and his son Absalom, and that they trusted his words as if they were from God Himself. This shows that Ahithophel was a very wise and respected man, and that his counsel was highly sought after, much like the wisdom of Solomon in 1 Kings 3:28. However, as Christians, we must remember that human wisdom, no matter how esteemed, is not a substitute for God's word, as seen in Psalm 119:105, where the psalmist writes that God's word is a lamp to his feet and a light to his path. We must always seek to prioritize God's wisdom and guidance in our lives, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are instructed to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Ahithophel's advice so highly regarded by both David and Absalom?
Ahithophel's advice was highly regarded because it was as if he was speaking the word of God, and this reputation had been built over time, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:23, where his counsel was sought by both King David and his son Absalom, much like the wisdom of Solomon in 1 Kings 3:28.
What does this verse reveal about the character of Ahithophel?
This verse reveals that Ahithophel was a wise and respected counselor, whose advice was sought by the royal family, as also seen in 2 Samuel 15:12, where he defected to Absalom's side, indicating a high level of influence and trust.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in 2 Samuel?
This verse is part of the narrative of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David, and highlights the significant role Ahithophel played in advising Absalom, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:20-22, where Ahithophel's counsel led to further division and strife.
What spiritual lesson can we learn from Ahithophel's advice being compared to the word of God?
This comparison serves as a reminder that human wisdom, no matter how esteemed, is not a substitute for God's word, as seen in Psalm 119:105, where the psalmist writes that God's word is a lamp to his feet and a light to his path, and in 2 Timothy 3:16, where scripture is described as being inspired by God and useful for teaching, rebuking, and training in righteousness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am seeking wisdom and guidance, and how can I ensure that I am seeking it from God's word?
- How can I, like Ahithophel, be a source of wisdom and guidance for those around me, and what are some ways I can cultivate this kind of influence?
- In what ways can I distinguish between human wisdom and God's word, and how can I prioritize seeking God's wisdom in my decision-making?
- What are some potential pitfalls or dangers of seeking advice from people who are highly respected, but may not be seeking God's wisdom, as seen in the story of Ahithophel and Absalom?
- How can I, like King David, learn to discern and seek God's wisdom, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, as seen in Psalm 38:9, where David writes that he has poured out his soul before God?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 16:23
And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he had counselled in those days,.... Both in the days of David, and in the days of Absalom, before and since the rebellion: [was] as if a man had inquired of the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:23
Was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God; it was received by the people with equal authority and veneration, and was usually attended with as certain success; which is mentioned as the reason why a counsel which had so ill a face, should meet with such general approbation. With David; to whose pious disposition he accommodated himself, as policy obliged him; but being weary of it, he takes this first occasion to discover himself, and execute that wickedness which before lay in his heart.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:23
2 Samuel 16:23 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.Ver. 23. And the counsel,] q.d., Though this was horrid counsel, yet because it was facinus maioris abollae, the counsel of Ahithophel, it passed for current, and was well approved by Absalom and the facilous Israelites. Dotibus scelerati Satanae et libidinibus suis ministrant. Wicked men abuse their abilities and their authority to the service of sin and Satan, as Augustine bitterly bewaileth it in Licentius, a scholar of his, learned but lewd. Was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God.] So Plutarch saith of Archimedes the Syracusian, that he had the name and fame of understanding not human but divine. And of Polybius, the historian, it is reported, that Scipio never miscarried in any enterprise, carried on according to his counsel. Both with David and with Absalom.] David’ s chief counsellors were God’ s testimonies: to these as to the test he brought all counsel given him, whether by Ahithophel or any other; and held it for a rule that if any "spoke not according to these, it was because there was no light in them." Indeed, Absalom and his adherents followed Ahithophel’ s counsel howsoever, as infallible, because it was for their purpose. So the Papists would persuade us that the Pope’ s placits are ipsissimum De; verbum. And if a priest teach this or that, be it true or false, the people are, without further trial, to take it as God’ s oracle. Is not this to be "the servants of men?" Is it not an honour due to Christ alone, to be believed on his bare word, to be the only Aυτοςεφα, to be self-credible? ουκανθρωπινηςαλλαδαιμονιουτινοςσυνεσεως. - Pausan. lib. viii.
Hosius. Stapleton.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 16:23
23. had inquired at the oracle of God] Lit. had inquired of the word of God = had inquired of God, which was done by means of the Urim and Thummim in the breastplate upon the High-priest’s ephod. Cp. 1 Samuel 10:22.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:23
23. As if a man had inquired at the oracle of God — That is, it was treated with the utmost respect and reverence, and acted upon as if it had given as much assurance as the word of God.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 16:23
| 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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He Is a Jealous Lover by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being perfect and thinking in alignment with God's word. He mentions that those who reason differently will face consequen |
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The Ultimate Statistic by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about running a club for kids and distributing candy. He notices the greed and unfairness in the line and decides to give the ca |
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The Fear of the Lord by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is foundational to true knowledge, asserting that without trust in God, one's understanding is incomplete and flawed. He warns that |
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The Wisdom of Love by G.W. North | G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the Spirit's gift of wisdom, noting that it is the first manifestation of the Spirit within the body of Christ. He reflects on the church |
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Christian Fellowship--Amusements--Walking in Darkness by John Newton | John Newton reflects on his struggles with spiritual dryness and dependence on the Lord, acknowledging his tendency to seek fulfillment in earthly relationships rather than in comm |
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Do Not Adulterate the Word of God by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of renouncing craftiness, dishonesty, and hidden sins in our lives to truly experience God's rest and be useful members in the body of Christ. |