Now the advice Ahithophel gave in those days was like someone asking about a word from God #– #such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice.
Then someone reported to David, ‘Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.’ ‘Lord,’ David pleaded, ‘please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness! ’
When Ahithophel realised that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his home town. He set his house in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.
Since the Lord had decreed that Ahithophel’s good advice be undermined in order to bring about Absalom’s ruin, Absalom and all the men of Israel said, ‘The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than Ahithophel’s advice.’
Come, let’s deal shrewdly with them; otherwise they will multiply further, and when war breaks out, they will join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.’
Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying: ‘Nothing beyond what is written.’ The purpose is that none of you will be arrogant, favouring one person over another.
Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit.