2 Samuel 16:20
“Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your counsel what we shall do.””
What does 2 Samuel 16:20 mean?
Absalom has just seized the throne from his father King David and is now asking his most trusted advisor, Ahithophel, for guidance on consolidating his power. In the ancient Near East, a new ruler's first moves were critical, and seeking counsel from a wise advisor was standard practice for any serious leader. What makes this moment heavy is that Ahithophel is actually David's former counselor who has switched sides to join Absalom's rebellion, so his advice carries real weight and authority. The simple question "what shall we do?" masks something darker unfolding in the story. Ahithophel is about to counsel Absalom toward increasingly ruthless acts, and this verse captures the pivot point where young, impulsive Absalom places his trust in someone whose counsel will lead him further down a destructive path. It's a reminder that the people we lean on during moments of power or crisis can have enormous influence over our choices, whether toward wisdom or toward harm.