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 16:23KJV
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2 Samuel 16:23 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 16:23 mean?

2 Samuel 16:23 describes the extraordinary weight people gave to Ahithophel’s advice. Whether he served David or David’s son Absalom, his counsel was treated as though someone had sought an answer from God.

The narrator makes a comparison: asking Ahithophel was regarded like asking God for guidance. After Ahithophel’s advice to Absalom in the previous verses, the comparison helps explain why Absalom was ready to follow him.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 16:23

  • “counsel” — עֵצָה (ʿetsah): This means advice or a plan. The word can cover practical decisions, not just wise sayings.
  • “oracle” — דָּבָר (davar): This word often means a word or message. Here it refers to an answer sought from God, rather than to a person who delivers such an answer.

Why 2 Samuel 16:23 matters

  • Ahithophel’s reputation crossed the divide between the two sides. The verse says his advice carried the same weight “both with David and with Absalom,” even though Absalom had turned against his father.
  • The comparison describes how people regarded Ahithophel’s advice, not a claim that every plan he gave came from God. That distinction matters because his advice in 2 Samuel 16:21–22 leads Absalom to act against David.
  • The verse prepares the reader for a later challenge to Ahithophel’s influence. In 2 Samuel 17:14, Absalom and his men choose Hushai’s advice over Ahithophel’s.

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 16:21 And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.
  • 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.

“counselled” Hebrew H3289 · used in 74 verses

  • Exodus 18:19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
  • 2 Chronicles 25:16 And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.
  • Isaiah 3:3 The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator.

“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.