2 Samuel 16:23
ESV
Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one consulted the word of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel esteemed, both by David and by Absalom.
NIV
Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel’s advice.
NASB
Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was taken as though one inquired of the word of God; so was all the advice of Ahithophel regarded by both David and Absalom.
CSB
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.
NLT
Absalom followed Ahithophel’s advice, just as David had done. For every word Ahithophel spoke seemed as wise as though it had come directly from the mouth of God.
KJV
And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.
NKJV
Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one had inquired at the oracle of God. So was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.
What does 2 Samuel 16:23 mean?
Scripture tells us little about Ahithophel. He was David's most trusted and valuable advisor. He also appears to be the grandfather of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:3; 23:34), the woman David stole from her rightful husband (2 Samuel 11). For this or some other, unexplained reason, he chose to join a rebellion led by Absalom, David's son. When David heard, he was devastated. He had lost a wise man, and Absalom, the young, wily, but unexperienced prince, had gained a great asset. All David could do was pray, "O Lord, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness" (2 Samuel 15:31).Absalom has declared himself king and taken over Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:10–12, 37). He asks Ahithophel what to do. Ahithophel knows Absalom needs to make a public break with David. He needs to prove to his followers that he is a strong, decisive leader. Ahithophel instructs Absalom to have sex with the concubines David left behind. This will prove his dominance over his father. Absalom agrees (2 Samuel 16:20–22).
Ahithophel will continue to try to solidify Absalom's kingdom. He'll ask for 12,000 men to chase after David and his band of exiles. If they hurry, they can catch them before they cross the Jordan River. The fleeing king can be cut down before he has a chance to rally support. David's death will solidify Absalom's grip on the nation, and David's people will fall in line (2 Samuel 17:1–4).
It's likely that at one time, Ahithophel did speak God's words. Those days are over. He has chosen to rebel against God's anointed king. His advice is still shrewd and valuable, but it's no longer godly. God uses Ahithophel for His purposes, but He does not endorse him.
Fortunately, there is a foil planted in Absalom's council. David's old friend Hushai has convinced Absalom that his loyalty is to the crown, not the man (2 Samuel 16:16–19). When Ahithophel asks for warriors, Hushai gives a different perspective. David and his fighting men are talented, experienced, and terribly angry. Hushai advises Absalom to collect a larger army before attacking. Absalom agrees. When Ahithophel hears his advice has been rejected, he kills himself. Meanwhile, Hushai sends word to David to cross the river to safety (2 Samuel 17:15).
