The story line of Chapter 16:15 through till the end of Chapter 17 is a twist and turn of events, revolving around the rivalry between Hushai the Archite, and Ahithophel, as well as how the works of the Lord are accomplished through the hands of men.
David sent Hushai as an undercover to Absalom. Hushai spoke as David had instructed him, displaying a loyalty to Absalom. Hushai’s performance was “perfect”. First, Hushai took a submissive position, saying, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” to Absalom, even though he may not truly mean it, because David is the real king to him. Second, Absalom asked, cunningly, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend (David)?” Hushai also replied cleverly, saying, “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”. Isn’t the one whom Yahweh anointed David? Hushai’s answer is a hint of what was said, and it is up to the individual to decide how to interpret it. Finally, Hushai said, " And again, whom should I serve? Should it not be his son? As I have served your father, so I will serve you." These were the most reassuring words for Absalom. Thus Hushai penetrated into the enemy's army. However, there was another military adviser on the enemy's side, Ahithophel, whose advice is described in the Scriptures as almost always being right, as if God had spoken to him (16:23).
Immediately after confirming the intent of Hushai, Absalom sought the counsel of Ahithophel. Ahithophel gave two suggestions, the first was that Absalom should go in to his father’s concubines, to prove that a new dynasty would replace the old. The second was to "strike while the iron is hot", attacking David while he was weary and discouraged. But instead of taking his advice, Absalom asked Hushai for his counsel, which turned the whole situation around. Hushai’s advice was to "think twice before you act", for only a well-planned attack with sufficient numbers could overcome an opponent as experienced as David. Hushai’s words were taken, but lest the reader think that Hushai gets all the credit, the narrator adds, " For the Lord had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring harm upon Absalom." This may seem to be a human endeavour, but the end result is the guidance of God, who is hidden behind the scenes.
We begin see more of God’s work accomplished in what happened next. Hushai immediately sent a messenger to Zadok and Abiathar's sons (Jonathan and Ahimaaz) to tell David to hurry and cross over to the east bank of the Jordan. However, on the way, they bumped into the man sent by Absalom, but fortunately, they hid in a well in time, and a woman helped to cover them, thus helping them to safely escape from Absalom's men. This shows that there was still no lack of supporters for David among the people in a life and death situation. David and his men made it through the Jordan River, while on the other side Ahithophel chose to commit suicide probably because he felt humiliated and unappreciated, or because he foresaw his own downfall.
The ending of this story was a positive outcome, because God destroyed Ahithophel’s good plans and sent woe to Absalom. We, as modern readers, know the outcome of this story because of the hindsight we have, and we know that God will accomplish his works. However, in our own lives, when we are experiencing suffering or challenges, it becomes difficult to know which part or decision that we make will or will not accomplish God's work. Perhaps we need to turn our eyes from all situations to our God, and whether the works will be accomplished or not is up to God, who is the One who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good, and who reigns in all of our lives. Therefore, no matter what stage or choice we make in life, what we can do is to draw closer to God, meditate upon God's word often, and let God be the one who leads us in every step and every choice we make!
Praryer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that despite all the choices in life, the sovereignty of it all rests with You, Lord. Help me to think about Your Word often in my daily life, and let You be the One who is in charge of my life. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen!
