2 Samuel 17:1-4 – The detrimental effect of bitterness

From all the counsels of Ahithophel, his intense hatred for David was palpable. He first counseled Absalom to violate his father’s concubines openly, and thus publicly shamed David to solidify his claims on the throne. He then went on to incite Absalom to allow him to lead 12,000 men to pursue David. He wanted to kill the ousted king personally. Ahithophel’s plan was strategic. He imagined David would be wearied and tired after a hurried flight out of Jerusalem and would be needing rest at some point. Calculating that if he and the 12,000 men began the pursue immediately, they would be able to overtake David and he would strike him alone. He only wanted David’s life. He surmised that with David dead, a panic among his followers would ensue. His ultimate plan was to lead David’s followers back to serve Absalom. His plan resonated with the upstart son as well as the elders of Israel and they were pleased.  

Didn’t Ahithophel once serve David? What led him to this point of intense hatred and bitterness toward the king he once served? Remember he was the grandfather of Bathsheba with whom David committed adultery in secret, and then schemed and had Uriah, his grandson-in-law cruelly murdered. As the grandfather, he probably knew all the inside stories. For compromising Bathsheba and killing Uriah, his anger with David was warranted. However, to let his anger degenerate into bitterness and intense hatred for the deposed king was an indulgence he could ill afford to nurture. It would not be wrong to say that he was looking forward to the day when he could take the king down himself. His opportunity seemed to have arrived, so how could he not seize it?

Here is one learning point from this account for us: be quick to deal with anger and bitterness. When not properly handled, anger and bitterness can degenerate into intense hatred and give rise to a murderous spirit within us. If we refuse to let go of the hurt in our life, bitterness will soon follow. Bitterness, when not released from our hearts, will eventually bring about an intense hatred and a vengeful vicious spirit. This makes the warning of Hebrews 12:15 needful and necessary. The verse says, “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it, many are defiled.” 

What steps then can one take to ensure one does not meander down that path? Hebrews 12:12-13 have this to offer, “Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.” To strengthen the weak hands and feeble knees is a call to fervent prayer. Making straight the paths is a call to walk aright resolutely. Prayers will give the impetus for us to walk aright resolutely. As we do, we will find our walk and relationship with God and fellow men aligned. And in the process, any fractured relationship can be healed and restored. Let’s not allow bitterness to take root in our life. Our health, both our spiritual and physical health, demands it.