What does 2 Samuel 16:20 mean?
"¶ Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do." - 2 Samuel 16:20
The Bible verse 2 Samuel 16:20 from the King James Version reads: "Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do."
This verse comes from the account of Absalom's rebellion against his father King David. Absalom was the third son of David, and he had a strong ambition to usurp the throne from his father. He managed to win the hearts of the people and gather a following to support him in his rebellion. In his pursuit of power, Absalom sought the counsel of Ahithophel, who was a trusted adviser of David but had now defected to Absalom's side.
The context of this verse is crucial for understanding its deeper meaning and implications. Absalom's rebellion against his father was not just a political power struggle; it was a manifestation of the brokenness and dysfunction within David's family. Throughout the story of Absalom's rebellion, we see the consequences of David's sins and failures as a father and a leader. Absalom's rebellion was a direct result of David's moral failings, such as his adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband Uriah.
The verse 2 Samuel 16:20 captures the moment when Absalom seeks the counsel of Ahithophel, signaling his determination and strategic planning to overthrow his father and take the throne. This verse highlights the pivotal role of counsel and advice in making critical decisions, especially in times of conflict and turmoil. Absalom's appeal to Ahithophel for counsel also reflects his reliance on human wisdom and his confidence in his own ability to manipulate and control the situation.
From a thematic perspective, this verse raises important questions about the nature of counsel and the implications of seeking advice from ungodly sources. The Bible emphasizes the importance of seeking godly counsel and wisdom, as seen in verses like Proverbs 11:14, which says, "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." Absalom's decision to seek advice from Ahithophel, who was a traitor to David and ultimately met a tragic end, illustrates the dangers of seeking counsel from ungodly sources and the potential consequences of relying on human wisdom rather than seeking divine guidance.
Symbolically, this verse also represents the broader theme of rebellion and the consequences of pride and ambition. Absalom's rebellion against his father reflects the destructive nature of pride and the pursuit of power at the expense of righteousness and justice. Absalom's actions ultimately led to his own downfall and death, highlighting the destructive consequences of rebellion and the futility of seeking power without considering the will of God.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 16:20 is a powerful verse that captures the essence of Absalom's rebellion and the broader themes of counsel, rebellion, and the consequences of pride. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of seeking godly counsel and the dangers of relying on human wisdom and ambition. The verse also serves as a cautionary tale of the destructive nature of rebellion and the need for humility and submission to God's will. Ultimately, this verse invites us to reflect on the implications of our decisions and the importance of seeking counsel and wisdom that aligns with God's truth and righteousness.
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2 Samuel 16:20 - "¶ Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do."
"¶ Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do." - 2 Samuel 16:20
2 Samuel 20:16 - "¶ Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee."
1 Samuel 16:20 - "And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul."
2 Samuel 22:17-20
2 Samuel 5:16 - "And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet."
2 Samuel 20:20 - "And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy."
Joel 2:16-20
1 Samuel 20:16 - "So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies."
2 Samuel 20:25 - "And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:"
2 Samuel 20:24 - "And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder:"
2 Samuel 20:26 - "And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David."
2 Samuel 2:20 - "Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am."
2 Kings 20:16 - "And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD."
2 Samuel 8:16 - "And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;"
"And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet." - 2 Samuel 5:16
2 Samuel 16:15 - "¶ And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him."
2 Samuel 16:14 - "And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there."
1 Samuel 16:2 - "And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD."
2 Samuel 16:16 - "And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king."
2 Samuel 1:20 - "Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph."
2 Samuel 20:4 - "¶ Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present."
2 Samuel 7:20 - "And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant."
2 Samuel 20:23 - "¶ Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:"
2 Samuel 16:12 - "It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day."
2 Samuel 22:20 - "He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me."
2 Samuel 16:17 - "And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?"
2 Samuel 12:16 - "David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth."
2 Samuel 22:16 - "And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils."
2 Samuel 18:16 - "And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people."