2 Samuel 15:31 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:31-37

Nothing, it seems, appeared to David more threatening in Absalom's plot than that Ahithophel was in it; for one good head, in such a design, is worth a thousand good hands. Absalom was himself no politician, but he had got one entirely in his interest that was, and would be the more dangerous because he had been all along acquainted with David's counsels and affairs; if therefore he can be baffled, Absalom is as good as routed and the head of the conspiracy cut off. This David endeavours to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:31

And one told David ,.... That came either from Hebron or from Jerusalem: Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom ; Absalom sent for him, and it seems he came to him, and continued with him, see 2 Samuel 15:12 , and David said, O Lord, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness ; either suffer him to give foolish counsel, or confound the schemes projected by him, and let them not be carried into execution; for God can, and sometimes does, disappoint... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 15:31

Turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness - Ahithophel was a wise man, and well versed in state affairs; and God alone could confound his devices. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:31

And one told David. The Hebrew literally is, and David told. But we cannot suppose that David had previously known of Ahithophel's defection. The text is evidently corrupt, and the Authorized Version gives the right sense. On hearing of the defection of a man so famous for practical sound judgment, David prays to God to frustrate his counsel, and the opportunity for devising means for this end quickly follows. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:31

( MOUNT OLIVET .) The counsel of Ahithophel. "Turn, I pray thee, the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness, O Jehovah." ( References: 2 Samuel 15:12 , 2 Samuel 15:34 ; 2 Samuel 16:15 , 2 Samuel 16:20-23 ; 2 Samuel 17:1-7 , 2 Samuel 17:15 , 2 Samuel 17:23 ; 1 Chronicles 27:33 .) While ascending the Mount of Olives, David received intelligence that his counsellor, Ahithophel the Gilonite, had gone over to Absalom. He was the wisest statesman in Israel, and nothing... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:31-37

Prayer for Divine intervention. The facts are: 1 . David, hearing that Ahithophel was among the conspirators, prays that God would turn his counsel into foolishness. 2 . On reaching the top of the Mount of Olives, the aged Hushai expresses his desire to go with David into exile, but David declines his offer on account of his infirmities. 3 . On the other hand, David suggests that he can render him good service by returning to the city and living as a servant of Absalom, and he... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 15:31

2 Samuel 15:31. One told David Or, David told; that is, being informed that Ahithophel was among the conspirators, he mentioned it to his friends, to excite them to join with him in the following prayer against him. Turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. Either infatuate him, that he may give foolish counsel; or let his counsel be contemned and rejected as foolish; or let it miscarry in the execution. Thus David’s constant recourse, in all his dangers and difficulties, was... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:1-37

Absalom’s rebellion (15:1-37)By cunning and deceit over the next few years, Absalom strengthened his position and gathered himself a following, mainly among the people of Judah’s country regions. He encouraged a feeling of dissatisfaction with David’s administration and promised a better deal for the common people if he were in a position of authority (15:1-6).Clearly, Absalom was plotting to seize the throne. It appears that he relied for the success of his rebellion upon the personal support... read more

E.W. Bullinger