Turning the Counsel of the Wise into Foolishness: A Prayer for Divine Intervention
"¶ And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness." - 2 Samuel 15:31
In the eleventh chapter of 2 Samuel, we witness the unfolding drama of the consequences of sin within the royal household of David. As events progress, a particular verse captures a pivotal moment of despair and urgency: "And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness" (2 Samuel 15:31, KJV). This verse resonates with significant themes of betrayal, wisdom, prayer, and divine intervention.
David's situation was desperate. Ahithophel, a once-trusted advisor renowned for his wisdom, had defected to join the rebellion instigated by David’s son, Absalom. This was more than a political shift; this was a dagger to David’s heart. Ahithophel's counsels were famously shrewd and often likened to the insights of God himself. The loss of such counsel to a usurper must have left David feeling vulnerable, isolated, and anxious about the future of his kingdom and his own life.
The first lesson we learn from David’s response to this news is found in his immediate reaction: he turns to God. In deep distress, rather than contemplating revenge or strategizing his next move with earthly wisdom, David prays. "O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness." This cry reveals profound dependence on God. It highlights an important truth for us today: in our moments of crisis, seeking God's intervention should be our first response.
David’s prayer is not a mere request; it is an exercise of faith. He acknowledges that the fate of his kingdom, his life, and the judgments of Ahithophel rest ultimately in God’s hand. This speaks volumes about David’s relationship with God. He understands that while human wisdom is powerful, it can easily be thwarted by divine wisdom. When we encounter situations where it seems that all is lost, or against us, we too can echo David's prayer, trusting that God can intervene in ways we cannot imagine.
Furthermore, consider the reality of betrayal that David faces. Ahithophel was not just a counselor; he was an advisor whose wisdom was revered. The betrayal stung deeply, causing sorrow and internal conflict within David. Betrayal is a bitter pill that all of us may face at some time in our lives. And like David, we can experience deep hurt when those we trust align themselves against us. However, this verse encourages us to lift our eyes from the chaos of betrayal and focus instead on God, who has perfect knowledge, wisdom, and power.
When David prays for the counsel of Ahithophel to be turned into foolishness, he is exercising a faith that acknowledges God’s sovereignty over the plans of men. He recognizes that the wisdom of the world can be rendered useless in the face of God’s purpose. Today, we live in a world filled with so many voices of counsel that can easily lead us astray. Whether it be the counsel of friends, media, or even our own desires, it is crucial to always measure such advice against the truth of God’s Word. In prayer, we can ask God to illuminate our path and make the counsel of those who oppose His purposes seem foolish in our eyes.
As we navigate through life's challenges, may we consistently remind ourselves of David's example. Let our first response to confusion, betrayal, or opposition be prayer. Let us ask God to intervene, to turn the counsel of the wise into folly where it goes against His will. By placing our trust in God’s hands, we find security and peace, knowing that He hears our prayers and watches over us even in tumultuous times.
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2 Samuel 15:31 - "¶ And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness."
"¶ And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness." - 2 Samuel 15:31
1 Samuel 15:31 - "So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshipped the LORD."
"So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshipped the LORD." - 1 Samuel 15:31
2 Samuel 23:31 - "Abi-albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite,"
Hosea 3:1-5
2 Samuel 2:31 - "But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner's men, so that three hundred and threescore men died."
2 Samuel 22:31 - "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him."
2 Samuel 13:31 - "Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent."
"Abi-albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite," - 2 Samuel 23:31
2 Samuel 5:15 - "Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,"
2 Samuel 19:31 - "¶ And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan."
2 Kings 15:31 - "And the rest of the acts of Pekah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
1 Samuel 31:2 - "And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, Saul's sons."
2 Samuel 2:15 - "Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David."
2 Samuel 15:15 - "And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint."
1 Samuel 2:31 - "Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house."
2 Samuel 16:15 - "¶ And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him."
2 Samuel 15:13 - "¶ And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom."
2 Samuel 15:37 - "So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem."
2 Samuel 15:29 - "Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there."
2 Samuel 22:15 - "And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them."
2 Samuel 14:31 - "Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire?"
2 Samuel 10:15 - "¶ And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel, they gathered themselves together."
2 Samuel 15:17 - "And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off."
2 Samuel 18:31 - "And, behold, Cushi came; and Cushi said, Tidings, my lord the king: for the LORD hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee."
2 Samuel 15:9 - "And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron."
2 Samuel 18:15 - "And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him."
2 Samuel 6:15 - "So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet."
2 Samuel 3:31 - "¶ And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier."