Considering Motivations

Scripture: Meanwhile, Ahithophel—publicly disgraced when Absalom refused his advice—saddled his donkey, went to his hometown, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself; so he died and was buried beside his father. 2 Samuel 17:23

Observation: Ahithophel had been David's top advisor, but aided and then quickly joined Absalom in his coup. It is he who give Absalom the idea to sleep with David's concubines as a means for solidify the no-going-back nature of the revolt. And he gives Absalom advice about how to pursue and kill David ... but that advice is rejected through the workings of God himself, using David's friend Hushai.

For this one issue - having his good plan of pursuit rejected - Ahithophel kills himself. It is possible he knew the outcome of the coming conflict, which was that with Absalom leading the fight against David the result was a likely loss and thus restoration of David, and in turn his execution as a traitor.  However, this was far from guaranteed. It wasn't even certain there would be a battle given the large army going out against David's smaller band of followers ... the last time David ran from a king he hid for years. There was also a real chance of victory given the size of the army.

Instead, it is possible Ahithophel understands that the Lord himself has turned against him. Verse 16:23 highlights that everyone listened to Ahithophel because his wisdom sounded like it came directly from the Lord, and now suddenly his good advice is rejected by absolutely everyone. If he understand this, then he also would consider why God had turned against him, and thus examined his motivations for rebelling against David. His motivations couldn't even be just earthly, for he was already rich and powerful under David. Instead, Ahithophel's motivations had to be something even more sinister - more than just sins of greed that produced more sins of lying and murderous intent - but rather were anchored in this: The decision to opposed Yahweh himself.

Application: Jesus himself says that the "unforgivable sin" is blaspheme of the Holy Spirit. This is a way of describing a direct attack against the Lord.

I can commit many sins, like lying and hating, and I can fail to uphold many other teachings, like caring for others, being patient, and having a quick temper. However, we see that true evil is not when someone commits sins regardless how terrible. True evil is performing certain actions because it those actions are designed to actually oppose God. This I will never do.

There are those doing this in society today. I am not talking about those who take actions to advance an idea that is opposed to the Lord's laws and teachings, even when those people know their actions are in such conflict. I am talking about groups who have, as their agenda, opposing the Lord, and/or opposing Jesus.

Ahithophel did this, and knew it sentenced him to death. Judas did this, and knew it sentenced him to death. I do not know the motivations of modern people who actively and intentionally oppose the Lord, but I do worry about their future sentence.

Prayer: Lord, you are the Lord God almighty, creator of heaven and earth, my father, and by Jesus also my savior, and by the Holy Spirit also my counselor and guide. May those who do not know you learn of you, discover your love and mercy, and turn to you. However, may those who in their knowledge and understanding of you actively oppose you, learn of your judgment and authority. Amen.