Absalom entered Jerusalem with Ahithophel. Hushai, David’s man, also came to Absalom with a secret mission, risking his life. David asked Hushai to stay with Absalom to inform David of everything and to foil the schemes of Ahithophel. Meanwhile, Ahithophel advised Absalom to sleep with David’s concubines to have an antagonistic relationship with David and to strengthen the cohesion of Absalom’s forces. Following Ahithophel’s wicked advice, Absalom pitched a tent on the roof and committed unspeakable sins in front of the people of Israel. In their grab for power, Ahithophel and Absalom insulted God, David, and the people of Israel.

Ahithophel was a brilliant strategist, but he didn’t know God. Consequently, his counsel led Absalom down a sinful path that would be remembered by all people. Godless and wrong advice can tear us down. We must cast out advice that seeks only worldly success and insults God and other people. Rather, we must follow the counsel of God’s words—to love God and love our neighbors. Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor who came from heaven with the wisdom of God. His counsel leads us to the path of righteousness and eternal life.
Application: Lord, help me to hear your word that is a lamp and light in my life.
One Word: Listen to Jesus’ counsel