2 Samuel 17:14

Is better. Hushai’s proposals were particularly calculated to appeal to the king, and he was not slow to express his complete approval. The approbation of his supporters would, of course, quickly follow. One counselor was being set against the other. Under the circumstances it was well that Hushai had been called upon to speak last; thus he could make it appear that Ahithophel was hasty and impulsive, even self-centered and perfidious, and inconsiderate of the rights of Israel’s new king.

The Lord had appointed. In his conspiracy against David, Absalom failed to reckon with God. He had able counselors and powerful supporters, and the hearts of many of the people were with him. But the nation of Israel, after all, belonged to the Lord, and it was David who had been divinely anointed as king. If he were to be deposed, God would have to be taken into the reckoning. Wise as the counsel of Ahithophel was, from a human point of view, the Lord decreed that it be brought to nought.

Bring evil upon Absalom. Without God on his side, Absalom was headed for disaster. No man can succeed as long as the powers of heaven are arrayed against him. A wisdom higher than that of men was directing in the affairs of Israel.