The name, Ahithophel, means “brother of foolishness.” From studying the account in scripture, we know that Ahithophel was the real leader of the rebellion Absalom carried out against his father David. He is described as “the king’s counsellor,” in a context connected with events some of which are dated in “the fortieth year of David” (1 Chro. 27:33-34; also compare 1 Chro. 26:31).
Ahithophel had a reputation for marvelous practical sagacity.
“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” (2 Sam. 16:23).
He did not show keen intuitive judgment in joining the conspiracy but such is quite evident in his management of the affair. Ahithophel apparently believed his own popularity would bring success to Absalom’s revolt. Possibly sensing a chance to rise to power himself, Ahithophel advised Absalom to take David’s concubines and defile them on the roof top of the palace itself—an act equivalent to claiming the throne.
“Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do. And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father’s concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong” (2 Sam. 16:20-21).
Ahithophel also advised Absalom to pursue and kill David, who had fled Jerusalem. According to the record, the hearts of the people were fully with David. Absalom’s only chance of success in usurping the kingdom was by the method of surprise and stampede, which Ahithophel proposed. There had to be a crisis in which everyone would join Absalom because everybody thought that everybody else had done so. Naturally a state of public confusion could last only a few days. But if, during that time, David could be killed, Absalom might claim the throne by virtue of his personal popularity.
The first part of the program was carried out with wonderful success.
“And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom” (2 Sam. 15:12).
“And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness” (2 Sam. 15:31).
But when it came to the second part, Ahithophel’s practical wisdom was blocked by Hushai’s counsel.
“Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night: And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only: And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace. And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel” (2 Sam. 17:1-4).
“And Ahithophel was the king’s counsellor: and Hushai the Archite was the king’s companion:” (1 Chro. 27:33).
Absalom chose to listen to Hushai, who advised the prince not to pursue his father.
“And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou. And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time” (2 Sam. 17:6-7).
“And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom. Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled” (2 Sam. 17:14-15).
When Absalom did not take Ahithophel’s advice, Ahithophel knew that the rebellion was doomed. He saw clearly that Absalom had sacrificed his one opportunity for success, so he put his household in order and hanged himself to avoid participation in the shameful defeat which could not be averted.
“And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father” (2 Sam. 17:23).