Role in Absalom’s Rebellion

In 2 Samuel, Absalom conspires to rebel against his father (2 Sam 15:2–4). After four years of gaining the trust of the people, Absalom asks David for permission to travel to Hebron to fulfill a vow to Yahweh. While there, Absalom surreptitiously begins a movement to usurp his father’s power, and turns to Ahithophel for advice (2 Sam 15:12).

Upon hearing of Absalom’s rebellion, David flees Jerusalem. Ahithophel then counsels Absalom to have intercourse with his father’s concubines, whom David had left in Jerusalem (2 Sam 15:16–17; Longman, 1 Samuel, 512). There are three reasons why he would have recommended such an action:

1. It would have cemented Absalom’s claim on his father’s realm. In the ancient Near East, a new ruler would possess his predecessor’s concubines.

2. It would prevent Absalom from ever being reconciled to his father (thereby making his co-conspirators feel more secure).

3. It would show David’s subjects that the break was complete and that they needed to pick a side.

Later, Ahithophel advises Absalom to immediately pursue David and his few faithful followers (2 Sam 17:1). However, one of David’s other advisers, Hushai—who is secretly loyal to David—advises Absalom to do the opposite (2 Sam 17:7–8). Absalom and the men of Israel judge Hushai’s advice superior to Ahithophel’s and decide to delay attacking David, which gives David’s commander Joab time to regroup. Seeing that Absalom has ignored his advice and recognizing that reconciliation with David is impossible, Ahithophel returns to his home, sets his affairs in order, and hangs himself (2 Sam 17:23; Longman, 1 Samuel, 517–18).