King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 16:23 Mean?

2 Samuel 16:23 in the King James Version says “And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so ... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. oracle: Heb. word

2 Samuel 16:23 · KJV


Context

21

And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.

22

So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.

23

And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. oracle: Heb. word


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Humiliation, emphasizing suffering within God's sovereignty. David's humiliation through Shimei's cursing and Ziba's deception tests his faith in God's sovereignty. His refusal to punish Shimei demonstrates trust that God controls even unjust accusations. Ahithophel's counsel and Absalom's public sin with David's concubines fulfill Nathan's prophecy (12:11-12). Theological themes include suffering within God's sovereign plan, responding to unjust accusations with faith, and the full exposure of hidden sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 16 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding suffering within God's sovereignty provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of suffering within God's sovereignty?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
עֲצַ֣ת1 of 19

And the counsel

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

אֲחִיתֹ֔פֶל2 of 19

of Ahithophel

H302

achithophel, an israelite

אֲשֶׁ֤ר3 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יָעַץ֙4 of 19

which he counselled

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

בַּיָּמִ֣ים5 of 19

in those days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָהֵ֔ם6 of 19
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִשְׁאַל8 of 19

had enquired

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

אִ֖ישׁ9 of 19

was as if a man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בִּדְבַ֣ר10 of 19

at the oracle

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים11 of 19

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

כֵּ֚ן12 of 19
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כָּל13 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֲצַ֣ת14 of 19

And the counsel

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

אֲחִיתֹ֔פֶל15 of 19

of Ahithophel

H302

achithophel, an israelite

גַּם16 of 19
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

לְדָוִ֖ד17 of 19

both with David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

גַּ֥ם18 of 19
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

לְאַבְשָׁלֹֽם׃19 of 19

and with Absalom

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 16:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 16:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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