What does 2 Samuel 15:31 mean?
"¶ And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness." - 2 Samuel 15:31
The verse 2 Samuel 15:31 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O Lord, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness."
This verse comes in the midst of turmoil in the life of King David. His son Absalom has plotted to overthrow him, and David has been forced to flee from Jerusalem. As David is leaving the city, he receives the news that Ahithophel, his trusted advisor and friend, has joined the conspiracy against him. In response, David prays to the Lord, asking Him to frustrate Ahithophel's counsel and turn it into foolishness.
This verse speaks to the theme of betrayal and trust. David had placed his trust in Ahithophel, who had been a loyal counselor and friend. However, Ahithophel's decision to join Absalom in rebellion against David represents a profound betrayal of that trust. David's reaction to this betrayal is to turn to God in prayer, acknowledging his own powerlessness in the face of such treachery and relying on God's wisdom and providence to overcome the plans of his enemies.
The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its significance. David is in a position of great vulnerability, forced to flee from his own son and the city he had ruled. His reaction to Ahithophel's betrayal reveals both his deep sense of betrayal and his unwavering faith in God. Despite the imminent danger he faces, David turns to the Lord for help, believing that God has the power to frustrate the plans of his enemies and protect him from harm.
The symbolism in this verse is found in the contrast between the wisdom of Ahithophel and the foolishness of his counsel. Ahithophel was known for his shrewdness and sound counsel, and his decision to betray David was a significant blow to David's cause. However, David's prayer asks for God to turn Ahithophel's counsel into foolishness, highlighting the belief that God has the ultimate power and authority to override the plans of those who seek to harm His chosen ones. This symbolism serves to underscore the larger theme of God's sovereignty and protection over His people, even in the face of betrayal and danger.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 15:31 is a powerful and evocative verse that speaks to the themes of betrayal, trust, and faith in the midst of adversity. It highlights the vulnerability of even the most powerful and wise individuals, as well as the ultimate power and sovereignty of God. David's prayer serves as a model for believers, showing the importance of turning to God in times of trouble and trusting in His wisdom and protection. The verse serves as a reminder of the enduring significance of faith and trust in God, even in the face of betrayal and danger.
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2 Samuel 15:31 - "¶ And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness."
"¶ And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness." - 2 Samuel 15:31
1 Samuel 15:31 - "So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshipped the LORD."
"So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshipped the LORD." - 1 Samuel 15:31
2 Samuel 23:31 - "Abi-albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite,"
Hosea 3:1-5
2 Samuel 2:31 - "But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner's men, so that three hundred and threescore men died."
2 Samuel 22:31 - "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him."
2 Samuel 13:31 - "Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent."
"Abi-albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite," - 2 Samuel 23:31
2 Samuel 5:15 - "Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,"
2 Samuel 19:31 - "¶ And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan."
2 Kings 15:31 - "And the rest of the acts of Pekah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
1 Samuel 31:2 - "And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, Saul's sons."
2 Samuel 2:15 - "Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David."
2 Samuel 15:15 - "And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint."
1 Samuel 2:31 - "Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house."
2 Samuel 16:15 - "¶ And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him."
2 Samuel 15:13 - "¶ And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom."
2 Samuel 15:37 - "So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem."
2 Samuel 15:29 - "Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there."
2 Samuel 22:15 - "And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them."
2 Samuel 14:31 - "Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire?"
2 Samuel 10:15 - "¶ And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel, they gathered themselves together."
2 Samuel 15:17 - "And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off."
2 Samuel 18:31 - "And, behold, Cushi came; and Cushi said, Tidings, my lord the king: for the LORD hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee."
2 Samuel 15:9 - "And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron."
2 Samuel 18:15 - "And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him."
2 Samuel 6:15 - "So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet."
2 Samuel 3:31 - "¶ And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier."