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NASB | 2 Samuel 16:21 Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Go in to your father's concubines, whom he has left to keep the house; then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself odious to your father. The hands of all who are with you will also be strengthened." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Samuel 16:21 Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Go in to your father's concubines, whom he has left behind to take care of the house; then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself odious to your father. Then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened [by your boldness and audacity]." |
Bible Question: I can't help wondering, why would Ahithophel offer Absolom this counsel? Matthew Henry's commentary notes that it may have been because Bathsheba was Ahithophel's granddaughter, and so he may have wanted to avenge himself on David for David's treatment of Bathsheba, in fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy (2 Sam 12:11-12.) This raises two questions in my mind. 1.) Was this counsel of Ahithophel's actually a sound policy for Absolom to pursue, in view of the fact that he wanted to take the kingdom, despite the fact that it violated the jewish law stated in Leviticus 20:11? 2.) Is it fair to see this as a wicked consequence of David's lust, as lust spread like a cancer, and ultimately resulted in the destruction of Israel and the carrying off of the entire nation into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon? |
Bible Answer: trumpet_player Ahithopphel was Bathseba's grandfather 2 Sam 23:34 shows he was the father of Eliam and Eliam is identified as Bathsheba's father in 2 Sam 11:3. His advice was based on revenge and the mid eastern custom that the possession of the harem came with the throne. Therefore he would shame David and lay claim to the throne. This would also fulfill the Nathan's prophecy. Ahithophel also advised immediate pursuit and the killing of David thus cementing the claim to the throne. Absalom wanted the kingdom, Ahithophel wanted revenge for the shame brought to his family. EdB |