AHITHOPHEL 6Mi1+r1N, brother of foolishness i.e., foolish ; Sept. 'AxerdcbeX), the very singular name of a man who, in the time of David, was renowned throughout all Israel for his worldly wisdom. He is, in fact, the only man mentioned in the Scriptures as having acquired a reputation fnr political sagacity among the Jews ; and they regarded his counsels as oracles (2 Sam. xvi. 23). I-Fe was of the council of David ; but was at Giloh, his native place, at the time of the revolt of Absalom, by whom he was summoned to Jerusalem ; and it shews the strength of Absalom's cause in Israel that a man so capable of foreseeing results, and estimating the probabilities of success, took his side in so daring an attempt (2 Sam. xv. 12). The news of his defection appears to have occasioned David more alarm than any other single incident in the rebellion. He earnestly prayed God to turn the sage counsel of Ahithophel ' to foolishness (probably alluding to his name) ; and being immedi ately after joined by his old friend Hushai, he induced him to go over to Absalom with the express view that he might be instrumental in defeating the counsels of this dangerous persor (xv. 31-37). Psalm lv. is supposed to contain (12 14) a further expression of David's feelings at this treachery of one whom he had so completely trusted, and whom he calls ' My companion, my guide, and my familiar friend.' The detestable
advice which Ahithophel gave Absalom to appro priate his father's harem, committed him absolutely to the cause of the young prince, since after that he could hope for no reconcilement with David (2 Sam. xvi. 20-23). His proposal as to the conduct of the war undoubtedly indicated the best course that could have been taken under the circumstances; and so it seemed to the council, until Hushai interposed with his plausible advice, the object of which was to gain time to enable David to collect his resources. [Ausinom]. When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was rejected for that of Hushai, the far-seeing man gave up the cause of Absalom for lost ; and he forthwith saddled his ass, returned to his home at Giloh, deliberately settled his affairs, and then hanged himself, and was buried in the sepulchre of his fathers, B. C. 1023 (ch. xvii). This is the only case of suicide which the Old Testament records, by any one not engaged in actual warfare.—J. K.