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CHAPTER 2 : Ahithophel’s twofold advice — Hushai prevents imminent
danger — David is informed, and crosses the Jordan — the battle in the
forest — death of Absalom — mourning of David — David’s measures —
return to Gilgal — Barzillai and Joab as representative men of their
period — f ederal republican rising under Sheba — murder of Amasa —
death of Sheba. 2 SAMUEL 16-20
DAVID had not left the capital a moment too soon. He had scarcely quitted the city
when Absalom and his forces appeared, and took possession of it. Hushai the Archite
was one of the first to welcome him with feigned allegiance. There was a touch of
boastful self-confidence about the manner in which the new king received his father's
old counselor, which the experienced man of the world well knew how to utilize. By
skillful flattery of his vanity, Absalom was soon gained, and Hushai obtained access to
his counsels. Thus far everything had prospered with Absalom. Jerusalem had been
occupied without a struggle; and the new king now found himself at the head of a very
large force, though of wholly undisciplined troops. But Ahithophel at least must have
known that, though David had fled, his cause was far from lost. On the contrary, he
was at the head of veteran warriors, filled with enthusiasm for their leader, and
commanded by the ablest generals in the land. Besides, account must also be taken of
the reaction which would undoubtedly set in. The flush of confidence on the part of
Absalom's raw levies, caused by success where no resistance had been offered, would
pass away in measure as the real difficulties of their undertaking daily more and more
appeared; while, on the other hand, sympathy with David, and adherents to his cause,
would increase in the same proportion. In these circumstances even a much less
sagacious adviser than Ahithophel, whose counsel was regarded in those days as if a
man had inquired of the oracle of God, would have felt that Absalom's chief, if not his
sole chance of success, lay in a quick and decisive stroke, such as should obviate the
necessity of a protracted campaign. But first Ahithophel must secure himself, and,
indeed all the adherents of Absalom.
Considering the vanity and folly of Absalom, of which his easy reception of Hushai
must have afforded fresh evidence to Ahithophel, and David's well-known weakness
towards his children, it was quite possible that a reconciliation might yet take place
between the usurper and his father. In that case Ahithophel would be the first, the other
leaders in the rebellion the next, to suffer. The great aim of an unscrupulous politician
would therefore be to make the breach between father and son publicly and absolutely
permanent. This was the object of the infamous advice which Ahithophel gave
Absalom (2 Samuel 16:21, 22), though, no doubt, he represented it as affording, in
accordance with Oriental custom, public evidence that he had succeeded to the throne.
While recoiling with horror from this unnatural crime, we cannot but call to mind the
judgment predicted upon David (2 Samuel 12:11, 12), and note how, as so often was
(^)