BIBLE PEOPLE | AHITHOPHEL

1. Bible People

a) The Bible is an historic record of real people and places. 

b) Here is a brief biography of such a person during Bible times.

2. Ahithophel

a) One of David's counselors who assisted Absalom in his revolt. When Absalom rebelled against David, Ahithophel apparently believed his own popularity would bring success to Absalom's revolt. He advised Absalom to take David's harem (2 Samuel 15:12, 16:21), an act equivalent to claiming the throne.

b) Ahithophel also advised Absalom to pursue David, who fled Jerusalem. But Absalom chose to listen to Hushai, who advised the prince not to pursue his father. Sensing that Absalom's rebellion was doomed, Ahithophel put his household in order and hanged himself (2 Samuel 17:23). This was one of the few cases of suicide in the Bible.

c) The name Ahithophel means "brother of folly."