“Ahithophel said to Absalom, ‘I would choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. I would attack him while he is weary and weak. I would strike him with terror, and then all the people with him will flee. I would strike down only the king and bring all the people back to you. The death of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be unharmed.’ This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel. But Absalom said, ‘Summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he has to say as well.’ When Hushai came to him, Absalom said, ‘Ahithophel has given this advice. Should we do what he says? If not, give us your opinion.’ Hushai replied to Absalom, ‘The advice Ahithophel has given is not good this time. You know your father and his men; they are fighters, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Besides, your father is an experienced fighter; he will not spend the night with the troops. Even now, he is hidden in a cave or some other place. If he should attack your troops first, whoever hears about it will say, “There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom.” Then even the bravest soldier, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will melt with fear, for all Israel knows that your father is a fighter and that those with him are brave. So I advise you: Let all Israel, from Dan to Beersheba—as numerous as the sand on the seashore—be gathered to you, with you yourself leading them into battle. Then we will attack him wherever he may be found, and we will fall on him as dew settles on the ground. Neither he nor any of his men will be left alive. If he withdraws into a city, then all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not so much as a pebble is left.’ Absalom and all the men of Israel said, ‘The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel.’ For the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.”—2 Samuel 17:1–14 (NIV)

In the yesterday’s devotional, we learned how seeking worldly advice can lead us down a path of sin. In today’s passage, we can see what happens when the Holy Spirit speaks through us to overcome wicked counsel.

When I was in college, I had a friend who loved to debate everything. We would do this to pass time before class. It was usually simple stuff, but one day she wanted to debate God’s existence. My mind went blank. I believe in God, but it was as if all the reasons I had to justify His existence disappeared. I couldn’t say anything for a few minutes. Before I managed to say anything, class had started, but I never forgot about it. I wish I had asked God to tell me what to say. This may have been how Hushai felt in this passage, but in this instance, God gave him the words to speak. 

This passage begins with Ahithophel’s plans to lead an attack on David. This plan is well received by Absalom, but Hushai comes forth with a different response. One can only imagine how much pressure Hushai must feel at this moment. He has only a few minutes to process this information and come up with a way to save David. 

Have you ever felt the pressure to give an immediate reaction, only to not know what to do? In times like these, it’s imperative to seek the Holy Spirit. God’s wisdom is greater than anything, and we have access to it at any time—all we need to do is ask. God blesses Hushai with the plan he needs to save David, and it’s because Hushai relied on God’s Word instead of his own. 

Returning to chapter 15 verse 31, you can see how God answers David’s plea for help. David asked God to turn Ahithophel’s counsel to foolishness, and he does so now. Through God’s intervention, David escapes the hands of his enemies. David could never have known this would happen, but he and Hushai chose to trust in the Lord. 

Though you may not always see how the Lord answers your prayers, you can trust in His ways. When you seek the Lord, He’ll set plans to deliver you to victory.

Pause: Take a moment and read Matthew 7:7. How does Jesus’ message of “ask and it will be given to you” relate to this passage? What might have happened if Hushai and David had relied on their knowledge instead of God’s?

Practice: When you find yourself in a moment of conflict, say, “God, please tell me what to say in this moment. Let the words that come from my mouth be Yours instead of my own.” You can ask God anytime to speak through you; He’ll guide you through the Holy Spirit.

Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to be used by You. I know my understanding will never come close to Your wisdom. So, I’ll always remember to seek You first and trust Your ways. Amen.