15 Now Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him. 16 And when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, came to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” 17 And Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?” 18 And Hushai said to Absalom, “No, for whom the LORD and this people and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain. 19 And again, whom should I serve? Should it not be his son? As I have served your father, so I will serve you.”
20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your counsel. What shall we do?” 21 Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the house, and all Israel will hear that you have made yourself a stench to your father, and the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof. And Absalom went in to his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. 23 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.
Comment: The first half of this is similar ‘claptrap’ to what we hear from politicians and other leaders these days. Mind you, Hushai was playing a major spy role on David’s behalf. Every word that he utters is diametrically opposite the truth but just what Absalom wants to hear!
Ahithophel had been with Absalom’s attempt for power from the beginning. When asked by Absalom for advice as to how to show his victory over David, Ahithophel advised him to set himself in a very public place (a tent on the rooftop where he would easily be seen) and spent his time having David’s concubines being brought to him to be raped! Ahithophel was a fraud and disgusting!
Prayer: Help me to advise humbly and wisely when asked; and discerning when receiving advice.
As I read it! 