2 Samuel 16 23

2 Samuel 16:23 kjv

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.

2 Samuel 16:23 nkjv

Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one had inquired at the oracle of God. So was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

2 Samuel 16:23 niv

Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel's advice.

2 Samuel 16:23 esv

Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one consulted the word of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel esteemed, both by David and by Absalom.

2 Samuel 16:23 nlt

Absalom followed Ahithophel's advice, just as David had done. For every word Ahithophel spoke seemed as wise as though it had come directly from the mouth of God.

2 Samuel 16 verses

2 Samuel 16 23 Meaning

This verse describes the extraordinary reputation of Ahithophel's counsel. His advice was considered so profoundly insightful and strategically sound that it was regarded as equivalent to receiving a direct divine oracle or hearing wisdom directly from God Himself. This perception of near-divine wisdom was consistent throughout his career, applied to his advice given both during his service to King David and subsequently to Absalom. It highlights the immense weight and authority his words carried.

2 Samuel 16 23 Context

The immediate context of 2 Samuel 16:23 is Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. David has fled Jerusalem, and Absalom has entered the city, consolidating his usurped power. Ahithophel, who was David's highly respected and trusted counselor, has shockingly betrayed David and defected to Absalom's side (2 Sam 15:12, 31). Absalom now seeks counsel from Ahithophel, setting the stage for the pivotal strategic decisions of the rebellion. This verse underscores the formidable nature of Ahithophel's defection, as his advice was so universally esteemed, almost akin to divine pronouncements, making him a potent asset to Absalom and a significant threat to David.

2 Samuel 16 23 Word analysis

• Now the counsel (עֵצָה, ‘ēṣâ): This Hebrew term signifies more than mere advice; it denotes well-thought-out, strategic planning and considered wisdom. It's often associated with sound judgment and policy formation in political or military contexts.
• of Ahithophel: Ahithophel, whose name means "my brother is folly" or "brother of foolishness" (though ironically his wisdom was highly revered), was from Giloh (2 Sam 15:12). He was known for his exceptional sagacity, and his later suicide underscores the depth of his despair when his esteemed counsel was rejected.
• which he gave in those days: This phrase emphasizes the consistency and long-standing nature of Ahithophel's esteemed reputation for wisdom. It was not a new development, but a recognized fact across generations and administrations.
• was as if one consulted God. (כְּאֶת הָאֱלֹהִים, kᵉ’eṯ hā’ělōhîm): The critical simile uses kᵉ’eṯ (as, like) and hā’ělōhîm (God, or gods in plural, but here referring to the one true God). This is a strong comparison, not an assertion of actual divinity. It illustrates the degree of trust and authority his advice commanded; people relied on it as if it were a direct word from the Almighty, guaranteeing its correctness and success. It contrasts the human perception of his wisdom with the divine reality of God’s ultimate sovereignty. This phrase contains a subtle polemic: human wisdom, even when considered divine-like, is ultimately subservient to and can be thwarted by God’s actual will.
• So was all the counsel of Ahithophel: Reinforces the pervasive nature of this high regard. His entire body of advice, not just select pieces, held this gravitas.
• both with David and with Absalom: This clause highlights that Ahithophel's reputation transcended his allegiance. His wisdom itself was constant, and consistently held in awe, whether he was serving the rightful king or the rebellious son. This emphasizes the gravity of his defection and the potency of his advice to Absalom.

2 Samuel 16 23 Bonus section

The profound regard for Ahithophel's counsel highlights a tension between human ingenuity and divine sovereignty. In a culture that highly valued wise advisors, Ahithophel stood at the apex. Yet, this "divine-like" human wisdom was not impervious to God's plan. The dramatic turn of events where Hushai's less astute (but divinely directed) advice superseded Ahithophel's (2 Sam 17) demonstrates that perceived human sagacity can be rendered foolish by God for His greater purposes. This narrative serves as a powerful biblical commentary on God's omnipotence over all human affairs, emphasizing that ultimately, the counsel that prevails is the one aligned with His divine will. It can also be seen as an indirect polemic against idolatry of human intellect or perceived spiritual superiority; even the wisest human counsel is merely "as if one consulted God," never the genuine article.

2 Samuel 16 23 Commentary

2 Samuel 16:23 brilliantly encapsulates the reputation of Ahithophel, portraying him as a figure whose wisdom was considered virtually infallible, akin to a divine utterance. This extreme esteem makes his later betrayal of David and subsequent suicide even more poignant. The verse sets the stage for a crucial theological point: human wisdom, no matter how profound or widely acclaimed—even to the point of being considered "like consulting God"—is ultimately subject to God's sovereign will. God Himself can, and does, "turn counsel into foolishness" (as David prayed, 2 Sam 15:31, and as fulfilled in 2 Sam 17 by Hushai's intervention), demonstrating His ultimate control over all human plans and perceptions of wisdom. This verse underscores a fundamental biblical principle: true and lasting wisdom emanates from God, and all human understanding, though valuable, is subservient to His divine purposes.

Examples:

• Relying on a highly regarded expert's advice over seeking God's will in prayer.
• Assuming a well-crafted business or personal plan will succeed simply because it's "wise" and "logical."
• Believing that political or military strategies, even if brilliantly conceived, are guaranteed to succeed independent of divine favor.