Definition: Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Samuel 17:15. It’s a really interesting and complex part of the story of King David's life! Here’s what it means in simpler terms, focusing on the key ideas: The Basic Story: Absalom is Angry: The verse comes after Absalom, David’s son, has been exiled by his father, David. He's feeling incredibly bitter and resentful. Hushai and Priests Talk to Each Other: Hushai, a political advisor to King David, is talking to Zadok (David’s brother) and Abiathar the priest. Ahithophel Gives Advice: A powerful, cynical advisor named Ahithophel offers advice to Absalom and the elders of Israel – basically, he's giving them bad advice. The Advice is About Absalom: This advice focuses on how Absalom should act – to challenge his father and possibly rebel against him. What Does this Verse Say? “Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.” "Thus and thus..." : This is a way of saying "repeatedly" or “always.” It’s emphasizing that Ahithophel gave this advice many times . "...counseled Absalom and the elders of Israel..." : Ahithophel was giving advice to both Absalom (the son) and the leaders of Israel. "...and thus and thus have I counselled." : This is the kicker. Ahithophel repeatedly offered this advice, again and again . What’s the Big Picture? This verse is a bit mysterious, but it suggests that Ahithophel was trying to manipulate David and the elders of Israel. He was trying to push Absalom into a position where he might rebel against his father. Possible Interpretations (It's not always clear): A Warning: Some believe this verse is a warning about the dangers of seeking advice from people who are self-serving and malicious. It’s highlighting that even seemingly wise advisors can be actively trying to cause trouble. A Pattern of Manipulation: It might suggest a pattern of manipulation throughout David's life, where powerful figures try to influence his decisions. Important Note: The text doesn’t explicitly say why Ahithophel was giving this advice. It just states that he did it repeatedly. In short, this verse tells us that a cynical advisor, Ahithophel, repeatedly offered bad counsel to David and the leaders of Israel, reinforcing their desire to challenge him. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Provide context about the story of Absalom’s exile? Discuss the significance of Ahithophel's role?