Hushai’s answer to Ahithophel’s counsel proved that God provided it. He declared, “The advice Ahithophel has given is not good this time” II Samuel 17:7. This time may refer to Hushai’s previous agreement when Ahithophel advised Absalom’s use of David’s concubines to prove his irrevocable break with the king.
That agreement gave this disagreement integrity. Senator Barry Goldwater once said we must give our opponent credit where we can. Otherwise, opposition loses its effectiveness. When Ernie Pyle sent home dispatches praising American triumphs in North Africa, 1942, they had authenticity. For some weeks previously he had filed sobering accounts of American losses in North Africa. Hushai agreed with Ahithophel’s earlier suggestion, revolting as it was, since it wouldn’t be the critical issue over which all would be won or lost. Christians can learn from that. Changing worship styles may be no more than an alteration in society’s taste in music. Adjust to it. But if the change involves a change in message, oppose it. Christians cannot tolerate any teaching that diminishes Christ’s Virgin Birth, Deity, Miracles, Substitutionary Death and Bodily Resurrection. These are essentials distinguishing Christianity. Giving up a non-supporting wall in Ahithophel’s counsel, Hushai protected the all-essential fulcrum of Israel: King David at the Jordan. He knew the desperately unprotected condition of civilians with David. That’s why God directed him to propose a different strategy. Take a few days to mobilize all the nation’s military loyal to Absalom. Then attack the king with overwhelming force. God used Hushai’s appeal because he knew it appealed to Absalom’s weakness: cowardice. Which led to the second example of God’s sovereignty. End Part III
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