Absalom Enters Jerusalem
15 Then Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, entered Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him. 16 Now it came about, when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, came to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” 17 But Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your [e]loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?” 18 So Hushai said to Absalom, “No! For whomever the Lord, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I shall be, and with him I shall remain. 19 Besides, whom should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son? Just as I have served in your father’s presence, so I shall be in your presence.”
20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your advice. What should we do?” 21 Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Have relations with your father’s concubines, whom he has left behind to take care of the house; then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself repulsive to your father. The hands of all who are with you will also be strengthened.” 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and Absalom had relations with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. 23 Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he [f]gave in those days, was taken as though one inquired of the word of God; so was all the advice of Ahithophel regarded by both David and Absalom.
Even though Ahithophel’s advice was taken as though one inquired of God, it was definitely not from God. He may have given good advice to David, but now he was sending Absalom along the way of the world, rather than the way of God.
Of course, Absalom was already on that road, having taken the kingdom from his own father. So, going down that road further likely seemed no worse to him.
We need to be careful who we listen to, and who we take advice from. While it might sound good at first, we can quickly find ourselves on a path of destruction if we listen only to the voices of men (or women).
Judge everything by God’s standards, and see whether it lines up with His heart. Then you will know what you ought to do, without reservation.