2 Samuel 16
DOYLYChap. XVII. ver. 4. — the saying pleased Absalom] The abominable behaviour of Absalom at this period shews to what a height of wickedness every man may proceed, who has provoked God to leave him to himself. When men are engaged in rebellion, there is no wickedness at which they will stop. Bp. Wilson. Absalom here approved of the detestable counsel of Ahithophel, and consented to the murder of his father. This horrid circumstance shews that this unnatural son was now filling up the measure of his iniquity, and was prepared for every extreme of wickedness. And such is unhappily too often the case of those who have once embarked in an evil course, and stifled the voice of conscience. Ostervald.
2 Samuel 16:23
- And the counsel of Ahithophel, — was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: ] The counsel of Ahithophel was esteemed so sure and safe, that it was commonly followed, without any doubt of the success. Bp. Patrick. It is often found too true by experience, that persons of superior penetration and wisdom are of bad intentions: they see further than other men, and are under a temptation to turn their minds to the overreaching of others, and effecting of mischief: their ability in accomplishing wickedness is a snare and a temptation to them; they find they can do it, and therefore are ready and willing to do it. Such was the case with Ahithophel. If any man was at a loss, here was one who could tell him how to act for the best: he was like an oracle: his judgment was never under a mistake; but he made a great mistake in one respect—he left God out of the question. Providence made no part of his plan. He had no regard to the ways of God, or the laws of God: for he advised Absalom to commit such horrible wickedness against his father’s house, as could never be forgiven, that the people might be sure there could never be a reconciliation between them, and there-