Now David had been told, "Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom." So David prayed, "O Lord, turn Ahithophel's counsel into foolishness." -- 2 Samuel 15:31
Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel's advice. -- 2 Samuel 16:23
When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his house in order and then hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father's tomb. -- 2 Samuel 17:23
When David heard Ahithophel had joined Absalom's rebellion, for a moment he was almost afraid. Ahithophel was widely regarded as the wisest man in the whole kingdom. His advice was treated like the very word of the Lord.
To David, this man was more dangerous than a whole army. Yet, as his onetime best friend, David knew Ahithophel's weaknesses very well. If this wise counselor's advice was ever rejected, his own insecurities would destroy him.
With this in mind, David sent his dear friend Hushai into the camp of Absalom. Under the guise of betraying David, Hushai would do his best to frustrate the counsel of Ahithophel.
Finally, when the right moment came, Hushai's advice was accepted, while Ahithophel's counsel was rejected. Ahithophel was shocked. No human had ever rejected his advice. After all, everyone said his counsel was like that of God. When he had stormed out of the room, he mounted his donkey and headed home.
Before he had reached his home, however, his burning anger had been replaced by a dark despair. Why live any longer if no one would listen to him?
In fact, since Absalom had not listened, his rebellion was now doomed to failure. When Ahithophel had set his affairs in order, he committed suicide by hanging himself.
What lessons can we learn from the tragic end of the earth's wisest man?
First, when a person is prideful or insecure, they cannot stand for anyone to reject them. Since their self-worth is based on their success and the approval of the people who value that success, when they lose either of these things, it is as if the very foundations of their personhood are destroyed.
In my own life, I have found that unless the righteousness of Christ and the approval of God are the basis for my esteem, sooner or later I will be left feeling as if I have no worth at all.
Second, even as Ahithophel mounted his donkey when he was rejected, so I have seen many people become donkeys when their advice is spurned or their opinions are minimized.
I have watched some of these people destroy their reputations through their responses. Others have even lost their most cherished relationships.
Third, when Ahithophel's counsel was disregarded, he quit and went home. I have seen Christians around the world repeat Ahithophel's tragic mistake repeatedly.
Whether they are quitting their church, ministry, job, or marriage, when things don't go their way, they're gone. Sadly, after they have left, they become more vulnerable to the enemy's attacks.
Fourth, Ahithophel committed suicide. Although I have seen very few Christians commit physical suicide, I have seen hundreds of Christians come to the brink of spiritual suicide.
Some of them leave the very church or ministry where God has called them because they did not receive the position or recognition they felt they deserved. Others walk away from their divine relationships because they feel slighted or misunderstood.
Whichever be the case, insecurity will bring destruction to your life if you do not bring it to Christ and His cross.
May God cut away the insecurity which is clinging to your soul as you ponder the story of Ahithophel's untimely death.
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