Our devotion for today is about how to thwart the evil plans of Ahithophel in your life. Although he was close to David, he betrayed him. May the Lord help us.

» Monday, 9th January 2023 | I Stand In The Gap Daily Devotional | Thwarting the Evil Plans of Ahithophel

Our last daily devotional theme was “seeking spiritual growth and transformation“. Today is about thwarting the evil plans of Ahithophel in our lives.

Then someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O Lord, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”

2 Samuel 15:31

In this verse, David is informed that Ahithophel, his former counselor, has betrayed him and is now part of a conspiracy against him. David responds by praying that God will turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness, indicating that he is aware of Ahithophel’s reputation for wise counsel and is concerned about the potential consequences of his betrayal.

Whatever plans your enemies have planned against you, I pray that the Lord turns them into foolishness! May what they plan against you go back to them in Jesus’ name.

Aftermath of evil plans of Ahithophel’s council:

The aftermath of the evil plans of Ahithophel as recorded reads:

So Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring disaster on Absalom.

2 Samuel 17:14

After Ahithophel had advised Absalom to pursue King David and attack him while he was weary and discouraged, his counsel was not followed. Instead, Absalom’s advisors Hushai and Zadok convinced him to follow a different plan, which ultimately led to Absalom’s defeat and death.

After Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he went home and hanged himself, recognizing that his plans had failed and that his reputation as a wise counselor was ruined.

Reflecting on thwarting the evil plans of Ahithophel:

  • 2 Samuel 15:31 reminds us to seek counsel from trustworthy sources, pray for wisdom, and trust in God to guide our decisions. Be aware of those who do not have your best interests at heart.
  • Seek counsel from multiple sources and pray for wisdom in making decisions. Be aware of potential biases or agendas.
  • We are responsible for our own decisions and should consider all options before making a choice. Trust in God for wisdom and guidance.

Similar Bible Verses:

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.

Psalm 1:1

This verse encourages believers to avoid the influence of ungodly people and to pursue righteousness instead.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

Proverbs 14:12

This verse warns that pursuing what seems right to us can lead to death, and encourages us to seek wisdom and guidance from God.

17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

Romans 16:17-18

This is an encouragement to believers to avoid those who cause divisions and offenses and to be aware of those who seek to deceive them with smooth words and flattery.

Let us pray:

Our Heavenly Father,

We thank you for your wisdom and guidance, and for the gift of your Word. As we read about the story of Ahithophel in 2 Samuel, we are reminded of the dangers of seeking counsel from those who do not have our best interests at heart, and of the consequences of betraying those who trust us.

We pray that you help us to be discerning about the sources of counsel we turn to, and to be aware of any potential biases or agendas that may be influencing their advice. Give us the wisdom and guidance we need to make good decisions and trust in you to direct our paths.

We pray that you would turn the counsel of those who seek to harm us into total foolishness. Protect us from any plans or schemes that are not in accordance with your will.

We trust in you and rely on your wisdom and guidance, and we give you all the glory that you deserve. I

In the name of Jesus Christ, our savior, we pray. Amen.