Command 15: Judge Not
Study Question
Q: David’s wisest and most trusted advisor was Ahithophel. Seeking his counsel was like inquiring “at the oracles of God.” Why, then, did Ahithophel join Absalom’s revolt against David and give counsel to kill David?
A: Ahithophel was a wise and trusted counselor of David. He was so wise that it was said of him, “the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God” (II Samuel 16:23). With such wisdom, it would seem obvious that Ahithophel would remain loyal to David when David’s son Absalom rose up and rebelled against David.
However, Ahithophel turned against David and not only joined Absalom, but also gave Absalom counsel on how to kill David. When Absalom decided not to follow the counsel of Ahithophel, Ahithophel went home, put his house in order, and hanged himself. (See II Samuel 17:1–4, 14, 23.)
What Ahithophel intended to do to David, he did to himself. But why? A possible answer is found in the genealogies of Ahithophel. Ahithophel was a Gilonite (see II Samuel 15:12). Eliam was the son of Ahithophel (see II Samuel 23:34). Eliam was the father of Bathsheba (see II Samuel 11:3). Ahithophel could have been the grandfather of Bathsheba, and just as Absalom had purposed to kill Amnon for immorality with his sister, so Ahithophel may have become bitter and purposed to kill David for defiling his granddaughter.
Ahithophel and Absalom were of like spirit and died for their judgments against David. Both had concluded that David was not fit to rule the nation and sought to remove him from this position. Their destruction illustrates the damage that comes to those who judge others. (See II Samuel 15:12, 17:13, and 18:15.)
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This study question and answer is adapted from the Commands of Christ, Series 3, book. For further study, this book may be purchased from our Online Store.