Theme: Making the most of our talents in the work of God
Text: “And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.” – 2 Samuel 15:31.
Comment: One of the punishments of King David for killing Uriah and taking his wife was that, from his own house, evil will arise against him and that the sanctities of his household would be violated openly. (2 Samuel 12:10-14) This prophecy was fulfilled when the vaulting ambition of Absalom, the son of David, pushed him to usurp the throne. Absalom, whose name means “father of peace” was anything but peaceful in his lifestyle, as he was known more for craftiness, presumptuousness, violence and murder.
The lowest point in his life of self-will was when he staged a successful revolt against his father, even winning Ahitophel, King David’s Chief Counselor, to his side. Ahitophel gave Absalom sound advice – that he should attack King David immediately while his forces were still unprepared. His advice was rejected for that of Hushai, King David’s deliberate point man, who had urged Absalom to delay awhile to prepare properly. Ahitophel, knowing the inevitable outcome, went and hanged himself. (2 Samuel 17:23) He was clearly not a faithful friend. See Proverbs 17:17; 27:10. In the end, Absalom was killed and the insurrection suppressed. (2 Samuel chapters 15 – 18) The lesson is that one should use his gifts, not for personal interests but to advance the cause of righteousness always. “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” – 1 Timothy 6:10.