PROCLAMATION
“Ahithophel said to Absalom, ‘I would … set out
tonight in pursuit of David. I would
attack him while he is weary and weak …’ But Absalom said, ‘Summon also Hushai the Arkite,
so we can hear what he has to say as well.’ … Hushai replied to Absalom, ‘… You
know your father and his men are fighters … So I advise you: Let all Israel …
be gathered to you, with you yourself leading them into battle …’ Absalom and all the men of Israel said, ‘The
advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel.’ …” 2 Samuel
17:1-14 (NIV)
EXPLANATION
After King David fled from Jerusalem and Absalom had
occupied the city, Absalom first sought the advice of Ahithophel, who had been David’s
advisor. Then he sought the advice of
Hushai, who had been David’s friend. Absalom
liked the plan proposed by Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:4) until he heard the plan
offered by Hushai. (2 Samuel 17:14) From
a military perspective, Hushai’s advice was better than the advice from
Ahithophel, but it was also better for David because it gave him more time to
prepare for the battle.
APPLICATION
We should be very careful regarding who we listen to
or seek advice from. Almost everyone has
an opinion, and advice is readily available everywhere from multiple
sources. However, when the well-respected
experts disagree on a matter and offer different advice, we need to give the
matter prayerful consideration. The “good
advice” which we receive may very well benefit someone else. More importantly, good advice is only “good”
if we ask the right question. The right
answer to the wrong question may not help us, and it may send us in the wrong
direction. That is why we need to take
everything to The Lord in prayer. (Ephesians 6:18)
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