“For the Lord had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring calamity on Absalom.” 2 Samuel 17:14b
We are told earlier, “The advice of Ahithophel was as if one inquired of the word of God”. When David heard that he had joined Absalom, he prayed “make the counsel of Ahithophel foolishness”. Here we have the answer to that prayer. Consider 2 things.
We are told Ahithophel’s counsel was “good”. Had Absalom heeded it, David might have been killed. Yes, God would still have intervened and spared his life, but this is “how” He chose to intervene. God Uses Means! But He also worked Sovereignly in Absalom’s heart; He caused it to reject one counsel over another’s. Lessons? God is Sovereign, and, God answers Prayer!!!