II Samuel 16:20
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Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me counsel. What should we do?”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
After taking possession of the capital of the kingdom, the next thing to do was to form the resolution to take and keep the throne. Absalom therefore turned to Ahithophel, and said, "Give ye counsel what we are to do." The plural הבוּ (give ye) may be explained on the supposition that the other persons present were addressed as well as Ahithophel, as being capable of giving advice.
Open source ↗In the close of the foregoing chapter we left David flying from Jerusalem, and Absalom entering into it; in this chapter, I. We are to follow David in his melancholy flight; and there we find him, 1. Cheated by Ziba (Sa2 16:1-4). 2. Cursed by Shimei, which he bears with wonderful patience (Sa2 16:5-14). II. We are to meet Absalom in his triumphant entry; and there we find him, 1. Cheated by Hushai (Sa2 16:15-19). 2. Counselled by Ahithophel to go in unto his father's concubines (Sa2 16:20-23).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One:
There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.
Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.”
Woe to those who dig deep to hide their plans from the LORD. In darkness they do their works and say, “Who sees us, and who will know?”
Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us.”
When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death.