2 Samuel 17:23

“And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, etc.] But that of Hushai: he saddled [his] ass; or ordered it to be saddled: and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city; which was Giloh in the tribe of Judah, (<101512>2 Samuel 15:12); and put his household in order; made his will, and disposed of his estates, (see <233801>Isaiah 38:1); or “commanded his house” or “household” f293; gave orders and instructions, both relating to himself when dead, where and how he should be buried, and to his family, how they should behave to one another and among their neighbours, and towards their superiors; and particularly, the Jews say f294, he gave them this charge, not to rebel…”

“AHITHOPHEL HANGS HIMSELF. (Sa2 17:23-29) when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed--His vanity was wounded, his pride mortified on finding that his ascendency was gone; but that chagrin was aggravated by other feelings--a painful conviction that through the delay which had been resolved on, the cause of Absalom was lost. Hastening home, therefore, he arranged his private affairs, and knowing that the storm of retributive vengeance would fall chiefly upon him as the instigator and prop of the rebellion, he hanged himself. It may be remarked that the Israelites did not, at that time, refuse the rites of sepulture even to those who died by their own hands. He had an imitator in…”

“To his city - To Giloh (marginal reference). Ahithophel was probably influenced by deep mortification at the slight put upon him by rejecting his counsel. He is a memorable example of the impotence of worldly wisdom. Compare the marginal reference. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Hanged himself - See here contempt poured upon the wisdom of man! He that was more renowned for policy than ever any man was, played the fool with himself more than ever any man did. See likewise honour done to the justice of God! The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 17:24”

“17:23 hanged himself: Ahithophel foresaw David’s victory and Absalom’s undoing, and he preferred to die by his own hand rather than by David’s.”

“saw: Pro 16:18, Pro 19:3 followed: Heb. done his city: Sa2 15:12 put his household in order: Heb. gave charge concerning his house, Kg2 20:1 and hanged: Sa2 15:31; Sa1 31:4, Sa1 31:5; Kg1 16:18; Job 31:3; Psa 5:10, Psa 55:23; Mat 27:5 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 17:24”

“It is still further stated in conclusion, that when Ahithophel saw that his advice was not carried out, he saddled his ass and returned to his home, and there set his house in order and hanged himself, because he could foresee that Absalom would lose his cause through not taking his advice, and it would then be all over with himself. Thus was David's prayer ( Sa2 15:31) fulfilled. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 17:24”