When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and went off home to his own city. He set his house in order and hanged himself, and he died and was buried in the tomb of his father. 2 Samuel 17:23 ESV
Ahithophel was a man people sought for wisdom. His words seemed like the word of the Lord in those days. But in this particular moment, the Lord wanted to spare the life of David that he frustrated the counsel of Ahithophel. Hushai, who was loyal to king David gave a counsel contradictory to the counsel of Ahithophel in order for David’s life to be spared. And Absalom and his leaders followed Hushai. The next thing we read, When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey, and went off home to his own city, He sat his house in order, giving the instructions how his estate and resources are to be divided in his family, and he hanged himself. How crazy can you get? How full of pride can some people be? Just because you got offended when your counsel was not followed you will commit suicide. Just because the king did not follow your advise and you are so full of pride and pity that you will end your life?
Let me try to look at this at another angle. Logically speaking, if Absalom did not listen to Ahithophel, it will be Absalom suffering the consequences not Ahithophel. It will be Absalom facing the consequences of his wrong decisions not Ahithophel. If Ahithophel was seeing things forward, it might be that he thought, because of what Absalom will do, he will be defeated, he will eventually be killed, and when King David gets to sit again on the throne, my life is as good as dead. He will take my life. But if I am to go, I will go my way, instead of being killed under the hands of David, I will go my way (that might be another way to look at it). But being eaten by pride. Being consumed by a bruised ego. So many people have destroyed themselves in the process. May we not fall into the same trap. 5 April
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