by Pastor Don Elmore
December 9, 2012
Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 15:7-12
2 Samuel 15:12 “And Absalom sent for Ahithophel, the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city, even from Gilob, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.”
Absalom, King David’s very handsome son, began his plan of dethroning his father, who was King of Israel at this time. Absalom, who had unjustly murdered his brother, revealed what a godless and unscrupulous scoundrel he was. He sent for David’s counselor who joined Absalom in the number of people who were assembling with Absalom in his insurrection.
2 Samuel 15:31 “And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophet into foolishness.”
So there was a conspiracy in the Bible. Conspiracy is broken down: “con” which means “with” and “spiracy” which means with the “spirit”. With the exception of his own son’s insurrection, this was the bitterest ingredient in the cup which David was now having to drink. It was no ordinary blow for him to bear, for Ahithophel was no ordinary man. He was one whom the king had taken into his confidence, numbered among his closest friends, and to whom he had shown much kindness. David was dethroned by his own son!