Why was Ahithophel’s counsel rejected if it was strategically sound?

Although Ahithophel’s counsel was wise from a human standpoint, God ordained its rejection to fulfill His sovereign plan to preserve David and bring judgment on Absalom. This demonstrates how divine providence overrides even the best human strategies.

What does 2 Samuel 17 teach us about God's sovereignty?

2 Samuel 17 reveals that God is always in control—even over counsel, timing, and political decisions. Through Hushai’s intervention and the loyal actions of others, God protected His chosen servant and fulfilled His purposes.

How does this chapter point us to Christ?

David's betrayal and preservation prefigure Christ—the greater David—who was also betrayed by a close confidant, yet whose suffering led to exaltation. This chapter reminds us to trust in God’s redemptive plan even when circumstances seem bleak.

What is the main takeaway from this episode?

Trust not in clever plans, but in the wisdom and providence of God. Even when evil appears to succeed, God is actively working behind the scenes for His glory and the good of His people.

God Overrules the Wicked – 2 Samuel 17 (July 17, 2025)

⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 1 min read

🎙️ Reading the Bible Daily with Dave

📅 Date: July 17, 2025

📖 Passage: 2 Samuel 17:1–29

📌 Title: The Lord Overrules the Counsel of the Wicked

📝 Show Summary

In 2 Samuel 17, we witness the sovereign hand of God at work as He thwarts the seemingly wise—but wicked—counsel of Ahithophel. Through the faithful advice of Hushai and the provision of loyal supporters, God protects David, His anointed king, even in exile. This chapter shows us that while human strategies may seem powerful, God’s providence always prevails.

This episode reminds us that the Lord governs not only great miracles but also small details—counsel, delay, loyalty, and timing—for His glory and our good.

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🔑 Key Topics

God’s sovereignty over human counsel
Ahithophel vs. Hushai – Worldly wisdom vs. divine providence
Providence in exile – God’s care for His people through others
The downfall of pride and ambition (Ahithophel’s suicide)
Christ as the greater David—betrayed but ultimately exalted

📖 Memory Verse

“For the Lord had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring harm upon Absalom.” – 2 Samuel 17:14

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Dave Jenkins

Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.