Absalom and all the Israelites said, “Hushai’s advice is better than Ahithophel’s.” The Lord had decided that Ahithophel’s good advice would not be followed, so that disaster would come on Absalom.
How this reminds me of Micaiah and Ahab (1 Kings 22:19-23). Through all of his scheming, Absalom held all the cards, had an unbeatable hand and yet… May I not anxiously look about me, Father (Isaiah 41:10). You alone have everything in your capable hands. May your will be done (Matthew 26:42) and may your Kingdom come in my sphere of influence (Matthew 6:9-10).
Then Hushai told the priests Zadok and Abiathar what advice he had given to Absalom and the Israelite leaders and what advice Ahithophel had given. Hushai added, “Quick, now! Send a message to David…”
Abiathar’s son Jonathan and Zadok’s son Ahimaaz were waiting… on the outskirts of Jerusalem… But one day a boy happened to see them, and he told Absalom; so they hurried off to hide in the house of a certain man in Bahurim. He had a well near his house, and they got down in it. The man’s wife took a covering, spread it over the opening of the well and scattered grain over it, so that no one would notice anything. Absalom’s officials came to the house and asked the woman, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?”
“They crossed the river,” she answered.
The men looked for them but could not find them, and so they returned to Jerusalem. After they left, Ahimaaz and Jonathan came up out of the well and went and reported to King David. They told him what Ahithophel had planned against him and said, “Hurry up and cross the river.” So David and his men started crossing the Jordan, and by daybreak they had all gone across.
How this reminds me of Rahab and he spies (Joshua 2). There also, it involved crossing the Jordan river. The men sent to find Jonathan and Ahimaaz returned to Jerusalem empty handed. Were doubts starting to creep into Absalom’s head? It’s clear that God didn’t figure into his scheming…
When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and went back to his hometown. After putting his affairs in order, he hanged himself. He was buried in the family grave.
How this reminds me Judas and Jesus (Matthew 27:3-5). How history repeats itself! Ahithophel saw his entire identity and self-worth invested in what he did. When that went, there was nothing left. [Thank you, Lord, that despite my complete failure at the end of my career, I am still standing and moving forward.] No doubt Ahithophel did not want to face David again, the man he betrayed. Peter managed to overcome his betrayal of Jesus (John 21:15-19). We must never disqualify ourselves. With you, Father, there is always grace and hope (Lamentations 3:22-24). You are all I have.