Question

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2 Samuel Lesson 19 (2023)

THE ADVICE OF HUSHAI AND AHITHOPHEL

(2 Samuel 16:15-17:29)

Open it:

1. To whom do you turn for advice? What are the pros and cons of a head of state relying on advisors?

Explore it:

1. Read verses 15-19. Who was on Absalom’s side when he entered Jerusalem? What question did Absalom have for Hushai the Arkite when they met? What reasons did Hushai give to convince Absalom that he would change his loyalties?

2. Read verses 20-23. What was Ahithophel’s advice on how Absalom should proceed in his bid to become king instead of David? How was Ahithophel regarded as an advisor to kings?

3. Read 17:1-14. What plan of attack did Ahithophel recommend to Absalom? (1-4) What was Hushai’s reasoning for convincing Absalom that Ahithophel’s plan was not good? What alternate advice did Hushai give to Absalom? (11-14) In what sense was the struggle between Absalom and David more a struggle of wits than of armies?

4. Read verses 15-22. What message did Hushai send to David via the priests? Why did the priests’ sons end up hiding from Absalom’s men? Who assisted Ahimaaz and Jonathan in hiding from Absalom’s men? What did David and his followers do in response to Hushai’s message?

5. Read verse 23. How did Ahithophel take the news that his advice had not been followed? What evidence do we have that intelligence and even wisdom can be used for either good or evil?

Apply it:

1. What safeguard should you employ before taking the advice of a widely acknowledged expert? (James 3:17-18)

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Attachment

• 2 Sam-19q (2023).docx

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