Ahithophel, A Portrait in Betrayal and Dangerous Counsel

By Christine Darg

Jerusalem Channel

Proverbs 11:14 “ . . . in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”

Today’s leaders need righteous counseling. Intercessors should pray for the Lord to expose persons who enter the circles of our leaders with wrong motives.

The story of Ahithophel in 2 Samuel 15–17 offers a profound case study on the dangers of unrighteous counsel but also the power of prayer to counter it.

The Hebrew name Ahithophel is typically interpreted as “My Brother is Folly” derived from achi (my brother) and tiphel or taphal (folly, foolishness, or possibly deceit). Ironically, Ahithophel was known for his wise counsel despite the meaning of his name.

In the Bible, the stupid husband of righteous Abigail was Nabal, also meaning fool. In fact, many biblical characters have names that align with their traits and actions. The name Abraham (“father of a multitude”) reflects his role as the progenitor of many nations. (Genesis 17:5). Jacob (“supplanter” or “heel-grabber”) matches his deceptive action of stealing Esau’s birthright. (Genesis 25:26, 27:36) Moses (“drawn out”) symbolizes his being pulled from the Nile and his role in leading Israel out of Egypt. (Exodus 2:10) Jesus (from Yeshua, meaning “Yah is salvation”) embodies his mission as Savior. (Matthew 1:21)

Ahithophel, a trusted advisor to King David, betrayed him by aligning with the rebellion of David’s son Absalom to usurp the throne. Ahithophel offered perverted advice to overthrow King David.

Ahithophel’s betrayal was possibly motivated by a personal grievance. Scholars suggest resentment over David’s sin with Bathsheba, who was Ahithophel’s granddaughter. (2 Samuel 11:3, 23:34) This underscores how personal vendettas can corrupt counsel and the need for leaders and intercessors to discern advisors’ motives.

Both rabbinic and Christian commentators emphasize the need for divine intervention to frustrate harmful counsel.

The utmost discernment is required at all times and as situations change. In today’s world pundits often mention how President Trump was thwarted many times during his first administration due to a lack of loyal counsellors. Intercessors for Israel, in their Friday Prayer Points this week, wrote pray, “Lord of all, surround Bibi [PM Netanyahu] with godly advisors and let him listen to their advice (Prov. 11:14; 24:6), yet let Your voice have a greater impact on him than any others – including his own (Josh. 24:24).”

Prior to his betrayal, Ahithophel’s counsel had been likened to “the oracle of God.” (2 Samuel 16:23)

Rabbinic and Christian sources highlight the following aspects of Ahithophel’s story:

Wisdom Without Loyalty: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 106b) views Ahithophel as a gifted but flawed figure whose pride and bitterness led to his downfall. Christian commentators compare Ahithophel to Judas Iscariot, noting parallels in their betrayal of a trusted leader and ultimate self-destruction. Both committed suicide. (2 Samuel 17:23; Matthew 27:5)

Absalom rejected Ahithophel’s strategy in favor of Hushai, a loyalist who had been sent by David to thwart Ahithophel, wounding his pride, leading to his suicide. Divine judgment does frustrate evil plans!

David’s Prayer and Its Implications: David’s response to Ahithophel’s betrayal was a concise prayer in 2 Samuel 15:31, “O LORD, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.” That prayer was also a play on Ahitophel’s name!

The Talmud (Berachot 58a) praises David’s immediate turn to prayer, reflecting trust in God’s ability to override human wisdom. David’s prayer was not vindictive but strategic, asking God to nullify the counsel’s effectiveness rather than cursing Ahithophel directly. In fact, David exhibited the utmost humility throughout the entire episode because he remembered Nathan’s prophecy that his stealth of Uriah’s wife would cause chaos within his household. (2 Samuel 12:1–15)

David’s prayer was a model for praying against conspiracies. Christian author John Piper suggests believers can pray for God to cause folly and stumbling among those plotting harm.

The entire account highlights God’s ability to orchestrate events to protect His anointed. Lessons from David’s prayer for us today include the need to pray proactively against betrayal. Leaders should pray for discernment to identify “Ahithophels” in their circles.

Pray with specificity: Emulate David’s precise request to “turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.” Identify the source or nature of harmful advice (e.g., deceptive policies, misguided strategies) and ask God to expose its flaws. Example: “Lord, make the counsel of those promoting wrong agendas appear foolish and ineffective.”

Jesus warned that deception will be a hallmark of the End Times. But as we seek divine wisdom, righteous counsel comes from God. (James 1:5; Proverbs 2:6)

Pray for leaders to receive discernment to distinguish godly advice from manipulative or self-serving counsel.

Furthermore, ask for exposure of motives. Request that God reveal the intentions behind harmful counsel. Ahithophel’s bitterness was a hidden motive. Example prayer: “Lord, expose any selfish or vengeful motives in advisors, that their counsel may be rejected.”

Trust God’s sovereignty and acknowledge God’s ability to frustrate evil plans, as seen in Absalom’s rejection of Ahithophel’s advice in 2 Samuel 17:14. Example prayer: “Lord, we trust You to overturn wicked schemes and bring Your true purposes to pass.”

Pray for opportunities to counter wrong counsel through righteous influence. Example: “Lord, raise up wise and loyal advisors to guide our leaders rightly.”

Pray for protection: “Father, shield our leaders from deceptive counsel and thwart every evil strategy.”

Summary: Rabbis and Christian commentators agree that Ahithophel’s story warns of the dangers of unrighteous counsel but also the efficacy of prayer to counter it. Leaders should pray specifically for God to nullify harmful advice, expose ulterior motives, and grant discernment, while actively seeking trustworthy advisors. David’s prayer in 2 Samuel 15:31 remains a timeless template: “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.”

Amen and Amen!

To contact Christine Darg, visit the contact page of www.JerusalemChannel.tv