About
Ahithophel was Bathsheba’s grandfather and advisor to David. He later advised Absalom during the insurrection.
Backstory
Ahithophel was one of David’s counselors, renown for his wisdom (2 Samuel 16:23). Ironically, his name means “brother of foolishness.”
Ahithophel’s son, Eliam, was Bathsheba’s father and one of David’s mighty men. He likely know the story of David taking advantage of Bathsheba and trying to cover up his sin. We can imagine his disillusionment with him following years of high integrity.
Absalom sent for Ahithophel shortly after starting his insurrection. Ahithophel was in Giloh, his hometown, at the time (2 Samuel 15:12). When David heard this, he prayed that God would turn his counsel to foolishness (2 Samual 15:31).
David’s other counselor, Hushai, offered to go to Jerusalem, pretending to support Absalom, in order to counter Ahithophel’s advice (2 Samuel 15:33-34). When he succeeded, and Ahithophel saw that Absalom was not going to follow his wise advice, he committed suicide (2 Samuel 17:1-23).
David replaced Ahithophel with Benaiah (1 Chronicles 27:34).