The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 414

HOMILETICS. Vel'II. 1-14.-Conflicting counsels. The facts are: 1. Ahithophel, in advising Absa.lom, suggests that he himself should fall upon David by night, when weary, with twelve thousand select men, and urges that by so doing a final blow will be so struck as to secure the fealty of all Israel 2. The suggestion is pleasing to Absalom, but he before deciding, wishes to have the counsel of Hushai. 3. On being called to giv~ counsel, Rushai expresses distrust of the counsel of Ahithophel, and assigns as reasons (1) the known valour and caution of David; (2) the possibility of a panic among the troops of .A.bsa.lom on a slight reverse a.t the outset; (3) the natural apprehension of the people on approaching for attack one so famed for courage and strategy. 4. As a counter-proposal, he counsels (1) a gathering of the entire forces of Israel; (2) the personal leadership of .A.bsa.lom; and points out the certainty of success whether by attack in the open country or by a.n assault on a city. 5. Absalom and his people decide to reject the counsel of Ahithophel and adopt that of Hushai, being overruled in this by the will of God. The bold a.ssumption of regal powers by publicly ta.king possession of the king's harem was only a formal act, which necessitated other measures if the authority thus usurped was to be maintained. The existence of so valiant and able a man as David, and the attachment to him of a select body-guard, were facts which could not but weigh heavily on the mind of one who knew how his father, in the days of Saul, defended himself amidst rocks and caves against a. vindictive and powerful enemy. Hence the natural coherence of the narrative with which this chapter opens, and the account of .A.bsalom's conduct referred to in the previous chapter. In considering the conflicting counsels brought out by the first act of Absalom, we may notice several truths bearing widely on human affairs. l. POSITIONS IN LIFE ARE ENTERED UPON WHICH BENDER MEN VERY DEPENDENT ON THE SUPEBIOB JUDGMENT oF OTHERS. Absalom had aspired to a position of power, and on reaching it found that his difficulties were not materially diminished. The presence in the country of such a man a.s David, with such a body-guard, was a fact of serious moment, and the well-known hesitancy of the populace as long as there are chances of vicisi;itude had to be provided against. His early habits of life and his natural gift& by no means qua.lilied him to meet emergencies of this character; and hence he found himself, on usurping the throne, dependent on men of larger experience than himself. It was not preference but necessity which led him to seek the counsel of Ahithophel and HushaL Occasionally there are men in similar positions of usurped authority who by nature and experience can dispense with the advice of others, but it is more often not so. Young men entering on public life need more wisdom than can be gathered from their own personal experience, and they will do well to consult the wise who have written or may speak. In any position of difficulty, when embarrassed by dangers we cannot escape, whether in professions, commerce, education, morals, or religion, we need JlOt hesitate to act even as did wicked .Absalom in tbis J)&.rticular-seek out the most tirr. xvn. 1-29.J THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. 421