Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.

2 SAMUEL 16:20KJV
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2 Samuel 16:20 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 16:20 mean?

2 Samuel 16:20 shows Absalom turning to Ahithophel, his advisor, and asking him and the others for advice on what they should do next. This verse marks a moment where Absalom is seeking guidance as he tries to secure his position after taking over Jerusalem.

Absalom, having just entered Jerusalem during his rebellion against his father King David, is now in a position of power but needs direction. He addresses Ahithophel, known for his wise counsel, and asks for a plan of action. This request sets the stage for the significant decisions that will follow in the story, showing Absalom’s reliance on his advisors at a critical point.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 16:20

  • "Give" (תְּנוּ, tĕnû): This word is a command, asking for something to be provided. Here, Absalom is not just asking for ideas but actively demanding strategic advice.
  • "Counsel" (עֵצָה, ʿētsāh): This word means advice or guidance, often with the sense of wise or strategic planning. In this context, it highlights the importance of Ahithophel’s role as a trusted advisor whose input could shape the outcome of Absalom’s rebellion.
  • "Do" (נַעֲשֶׂה, naʿăseh): This verb means to act or accomplish. Absalom is not just looking for discussion; he wants actionable steps that can be carried out.

Why 2 Samuel 16:20 matters

  • This verse highlights Absalom’s dependence on others for direction, showing he does not act alone but seeks the wisdom of established advisors.
  • The request for counsel from Ahithophel is significant because Ahithophel’s advice is known to be highly valued, almost as if it were from God (as seen later in the chapter).
  • This moment sets up the tension and drama of the coming chapters, as the advice given here will have major consequences for both Absalom and David.

Where else these words appear

“Ahithophel” Hebrew H302 · used in 17 verses

  • 2 Samuel 15:12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
  • 2 Samuel 16:23 And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.
  • 2 Samuel 17:15 Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.

“Give” Hebrew H3051 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 11:3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.
  • Deuteronomy 1:13 Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.
  • Job 6:22 Did I say, Bring unto me? or, Give a reward for me of your substance?

“counsel” Hebrew H6098 · used in 85 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:28 For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.
  • Job 22:18 Yet he filled their houses with good things: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
  • Isaiah 14:26 This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.

“Absalom” Hebrew H53 · used in 92 verses

  • 2 Samuel 3:3 And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
  • 2 Samuel 15:1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
  • 2 Samuel 17:18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.