Hushai the Arkite gives bad advice

2 Samuel Chapter 17

As David trudged in mourning toward the wilderness, Ahithophel (David's old advisor) told Absalom to choose twelve thousand men to chase king David and kill him while he was weary and discouraged. Then bring back all the people who accompanied David.

But Hushai was summoned and asked for his advice and he told Absalom that Ahithophel's advice was wrong. He said David would be hiding in a pit or cave and he and his warriors would come out prepared to slaughter anyone who chased them. Then he told a new plan in which Absalom mobilized the army of Israel and brought in men from far away provinces as well. This huge amount of men could descend on David and later take ropes and drag down the walls of the city. And he recommended Absalm lead the troops himself. Absalom liked Hushai's advice the best. And the Lord had arranged to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel, so that disaster would befall Absalom.

Hushai reported to Zadock and Abiathar the priests and suggested they send a message quickly to David to get out of the shallows of the River Jordan and go into the wilderness beyond. Jonathan and Ahimaaz had been staying at En-rogel and as they left to warn David,a boy saw them leaving and told Absalom about it. They escaped to Bahurim where a man hid them inside his well and his wife put a cloth over the well with grain drying on it. They went undetected when Absalom's men came. Later they crawled out and reported to king David and told him to run quickly.

Meanwhile, Ahithophel was publicly disgraced when Absalom had refused his advice. So he rode his donkey to his hometown, set his affairs in order and hanged himself there.

David arrived in Mahanaim as Absalom's army was advancing across the Jordan River. Absalom had appointed Amasa as his commander, replacing Joab, who had commanded under David. When David arrived in Mahanaim, he was greeted by Shobi son of Nahash, Makir, son of Ammiel and Barzillai of Gilead. They brought mats, pots, dishes, and much food because they knew David's people would be hungry and thirsty after their long march.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Hushai appealed to Absalom with flattery and Absalom's vanity became his trap. Hushai predicted great glory for Absalm if he personally led the army against David, so pride was his downfall.

Joab and Amasa were David's nephews and Absalom's cousins. Because Joab left Jerusalem with David, Amasa took his place as commander.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? Treachery like the treachery of bad advice that was given to Absalom, happens to us often. In your workplace, do you not feel the stings of treacherous arrows as someone works a little too hard to get ahead or get your job? Have you now or in the past had a friend who caused the fall of one of your relationships? And were lies told to make you look bad? Happens to all of us just like it happened to Absalom. But in his case, all was set in motion by God. God wanted a specific path to be followed. So look back at your own life, your own workplace and in hindsight you may see that God had a specific path for you too. What seemed like treachery could be a blessing in disguise. God works that way. Halleluja!

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, and Arlene’s nephew David. Update on Lori: she sheds her back brace soon and can drive. She thanks God for healing her. Please continue to pray for her during recovery. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home from the hospital and having rehab for the paralysis on one side of her body. Continue to pray for her recovery.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues. Update on Stella: She has shed the feeding tube and is taking formula on her own! But breathing problems are still with her, though improving all the time. She continues to have a long road, so prayers are still needed. She has been moved to a St. Louis hospital.
Update on Craig: he ended up having a stent put in and is back to work. Keep him and his family on your list for prayers. Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake,those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.