As I was reading this, I wondered why Ahithophel would go against David. He was after all, David's most trusted adviser, and a very wise man. Why did he turn on David?
Once Ahithophel realized that Absalom's rebellion would fail, he went home, put his affairs in order, and hung himself! Why?
So, I decided to dig a little deeper.
Ahithophel was Bathsheba's grandfather! Ahhhhhhhh! Anyone who has experienced a loved one being taken advantage of, or has themselves been taken advantage of, can imagine the thoughts and frustrations going through the mind of Ahithophel at David's dealings with Bathsheba. He must have seen all David's manipulations to get what he wanted, and then to cover up the resulting consequences of his actions. And, in the case of Ahithophel, he must have let those thoughts and frustrations grow into bitterness, which never leads to anything good. And as can be seen by this example, bitterness eventually destroys the one who is bitter!
When the opportunity arose, Ahithophel turned on David! His bitterness blinded him to the fact that David was still God's anointed king. He wanted revenge on David and again his bitterness blinded him to the fact that, despite David, God did as He chose to do, and through Bathsheba, Solomon was born and used greatly of the Lord. Ahithophel could not see God's hand through his bitterness.
Ultimately, I think once he realized that David would remain king, and Absalom's rebellion would result in nothing, he recognized David was placed in that position by God, and he knew that he had gone too far in his bitterness to make peace with the king, so he saw no way out but death. Would David have forgiven him? Would he have been restored back into his confidence? Only God knows that, but Ahithophel's bitterness did not allow him to find out.
For me, the lesson here is not to let bitterness get out of control. Nip it in the bud! Uproot it!
Ephesians 4 vs 31 - 32 says: (31) Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. (32) Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
God says in His word in Hebrews 12 vs 15: See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.
Bitterness defiles who? The one who is bitter
Bitterness destroys who? The one who is bitter
Let bitterness go, remembering that firstly God has forgiven us of much, and expects us to do the same. Secondly, realize that God sees everything and if a wrong has been done to you, or a loved one, you have to trust that God will avenge in HIS WAY, in HIS TIME, with HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS. It is, at the end of the day, about trusting that God knows, and trusting that He will do as He sees fit, and we have to trust Him in that AND make our peace with that truth!
God bless
Tracy
Thanks Tracy, for this good bible study.
ReplyDeleteI think Achitofel was one of the best politician in earlier days. But later he knew that he would never be forgiven for his evil deeds. That was the reason he committed suicide. Today I have read: 'Bitterness blows out the candle of joy and leaves the soul in darkness."
What a sadness for Bathsheba, to lose her grandfather in this way. Jesus Christ is able to remove stones of bitterness from our heart. We have to trust Him!
What a sad story.
ReplyDeleteRemembering that forgiveness is not excusing or acceptance will go a long way toward blocking bitterness before it starts!