The key verse for understanding the events of 2 Samuel 16:15-17:29 is verse 14: “For the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.” Why did God do this? He did this because David had prayed: “O Lord, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness” (15:31). God is still working for David despite how David feels at this time. We should not take David’s feelings of wretchedness here as an indication of God’s attitude toward David. Yes, David is suffering from the consequences of his own sin, but God had forgiven him even if he is still allowing these consequences to flow on. God is even working here to put an end to these consequences. God works his plan through Hushai, a loyal and shrewd friend of David’s. Hushai’s advice would not have had sway over that of Ahithophel if God had not worked in this situation (since Ahithophel was so highly regarded). That is why the narrator points out that this was God’s doing. God was intervening to save David. Those who had worked for David’s ruin would themselves be ruined. The covenant promise, “whoever curses you I will curse” (Genesis 12:3), was still in effect over David’s life. God still intended to bless David and honour his promises to him. No matter what you have done and no matter what comes from that, God’s grace is inexhaustible for you. He will bless you again. His love will not depart from you. God never abandons his children.
Thank God for his love and grace for you.
Read 2 Samuel 16:15-17:29
