The Bug That Eats You Up at Night

The If-They-Were-Us series: Ahithophel

The word ‘bitterness’ is not new.

You and I have experienced it all too well.

Since we’re out here being honest, I’ve made some pretty embarrassing statements and decisions based on bitterness. Looking back, I thank God for covering my foolishness because I was out here embarrassing everybody, okay? (haha!)

Today, the focus is not on me but on a bible character that does not get much mention. You may judge this man so harshly when you first study him, but humility advises you differently. You probably would have done WORSE.

The first time Ahithophel is brought into the limelight, he is seen as a mighty and wise man who came only second to God in wisdom. He was David’s chief advisor and if you know anything about ancient monarchies, you understand how key a chief advisor was. They kept nations together with the wisdom they offered in the secret chambers of the nation’s kings. You never approached such people anyhow. They were never called in for the small small matters. They handled the big stuff, because they were the big guys.

Back to Mr Ahithophel. In 2 Samuel 15 he revolts against David and becomes his son’s (a newly developed enemy) advisor. He advises his son to publicly shame his father by sleeping with his concubines on the roof of the palace in plain sight. He then advises David’s son to kill his own father almost immediately.

Whoosh. What could possibly make a wise man act out of such bile?

Let’s flash back.

I was last month year old when I realized that Ahithophel was the father of Eliam who was the father of Bathsheba. That’s right. Ahithophel was the grandfather of Bathsheba. If you remember well, you will be careful to note that Bathsheba was David’s wife, obtained by illegal means. David saw her bathing her cute self on her roof and he took her and killed her husband to hide his sin. Welp, he couldn’t hide from God, now could he? Lol.

Long story short, that single act left an indelible mark on the lives of two families. Ahithophel took this to heart. How could one of the people who was closest to him commit such a grave offense? Was he not considerate of anyone other than himself when he was laying with a married woman? Ahithophel may have resumed normalcy as advisor to David, but his heart had long begun to nurse bitterness and hatred.

So when he got the chance to pay back through the disobedience and greed of David’s own household, he took it with both hands. His actions showed clearly how he had longed to hurt David, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, nail for nail.

He advised Absalom (David’s son) to kill his father at night (do not delay!).

But look at this (and maybe this is more important to note). David discovered this treason and TOOK TO TEARS AND PRAYER. As David was running, he was met by people who showed their true colors by mocking him and spitting on him (2 Sam 16:5) and he did not touch them. He told his servants not to avenge him (Rom 12:19). He maintained a posture of humility because he immediately began to see that God’s hand was on this attack over his kingdom (prophesied in 2 Sam 12:11). Instead of being proud and killing every enemy, he pleaded mercy. He then ran for his life and as he ran he asked God to make Ahithophel’s advice turn into foolishness.

Flash forward, David sends Hushai to go to his aid in his enemy’s camp. Ahithophel gives advice to Absalom and it is even emphasized in scripture that his word was heavily considered. He spoke as one who spoke directly with God. Absalom somehow calls Hishai to offer advice too. Hushai speaks, alright but (and see the hand of God, y’all), his word is measured more worthy than Ahithophel’s. His word sent Absalom into a path that favored David.

Ahithophel saw his advice was not taken seriously and in a jealous fit went and hang himself. Perhaps he had an inner knowing that David would flee and find him some day and kill him himself. Perhaps it was the self-imposed shame he felt for his out-of-order actions and he sought a proud man’s way out.

Either way, his bitterness revealed his heart and he perished leaving a tarnished legacy, and a spirit that is widely rebuked in deliverance circles.

Oh! Absalom ended up dying and David gained victory that day.

Lessons

1. Bitterness that is not addressed in the place of prayer and healing will ALWAYS expose you negatively.

2. If unforgiveness does not kill you, offence and bitterness will finish the job.

3. Bitterness compares to hot embers of a dying fire. They may act slowly, but achieve the same task as a raging fire.

4. When you turn away from sin and live a changed life, God can and will deliver you from even those who once had the moral right to come against you. Your repentance wins you legal ground in the court rooms of heaven against past legitimate claims. (Prov 16:7)

5. Bitterness creates unnecessary embarrassment and makes even the wise seem foolish. Avoid this, please.