Ahithophel had a very good job. He was counselor to King David, and that made him a very important man. He was a wise man too, and his advice was good. He also had good health. Then why did Ahithophel die?
Here is the story. King David had a very good-looking son named Absalom who was a popular prince. But having lots of friends was not enough; he wanted to be king. And when he sneaked away from his father’s care and blew a trumpet to call his friends together, there were many who followed him. And included in that crowd was Ahithophel, his father’s wise counselor.
It was an excited crowd that followed Absalom, and they shouted, Absalom reigns in Hebron! They knew that the only way Absalom could become king would be by killing his father, King David. They also knew that the king had many loyal followers too. How could they win this battle?
Of course they asked Ahithophel, the wise counselor, and he gave Absalom some good advice. He said, Do it right away. Don’t give King David time to make plans. Fight him right now!
This reminds me of the day they planned to kill the Lord Jesus. Pilate, the governor, asked the crowd, What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ? They all shouted, Let Him be crucified! But Jesus was the Son of God, and their answer was proof that they did not want Him.
Jesus made no answer to their shouting. He knew that He must die to save those very men who were shouting against Him. His friends had all left Him, and He stood alone. Then He was nailed to that cruel cross, and all the people jeered and insulted Him while He hung there. They were guilty of His death. But Jesus died like no other man ever did. God Himself poured out on Him the penalty for the full load of sins of every true believer. No one saw this, for it happened in the dark. But when the light came back, He cried, “It is finished!” (John 19:3030When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (John 19:30)). Yes, the terrible penalty for sin had been completely paid! He left nothing for you and me to do but to trust Him! “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:55But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)).
After Ahithophel had given Absalom good advice, another man came along. His name was Hushai, and he said, No, Ahithophel’s advice is not good. Gather together a big army and lead it yourself in person against King David. Now Hushai was really working for King David, his friend. His advice gave the king time to escape and get his army ready for war.
Ahithophel was sure that his advice was good, and maybe it was, but it was not God’s way. Maybe you have some good advice about escaping the judgment of God, but at the end of the road, it won’t work! God’s Word is settled in heaven. There is no other Saviour but Jesus.
So what did Ahithophel do? He went home, set his house in order and hanged himself. That was the end of the road for him ... on earth. But he has yet to meet God about his choice.
And so you also must meet God someday, perhaps sooner than you think. Will you meet Him as a forgiven sinner and thank Him for all eternity for dying for you? Do you know that He loves you and will welcome you into His home in heaven forever? Or will you meet Him still with your sins and no loving Saviour and no precious blood to wash them away? You will face your own punishment.
When you are dead, you cannot change your mind. Then it is too late for forgiveness and a home in heaven.
You may read this story of Ahithophel in 2 Samuel, chapters 15-17.
ML-02/12/2012