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The God who kept David from the plan of Ahithophel

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[2 Samuel 17:14]

Absalom and all the men of Israel said, "The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that

of Ahithophel." For the LORD had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel

in order to bring disaster on Absalom.

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During King David's reign over Israel, Absalom, one of King David's sons, rebelled against himself to be king. Because of this, King David inevitably abandoned his palace and fled.

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Ahithophel, David's advisor, joined with rebels with Absalom.

David was shocked to hear that Ahithophel betrayed him and joined in rebellion.

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So he prayed to God. "Jehovah, make the plan of Ahithophel foolish."

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David decided to send Hushai, a faithful servant who followed him, to Absalom.

David asked Hushai to decorate it as if he were on the side of Absalom

and secretly inform him of what is going on in the camp of Absalom.

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Hushai returned to the city of Jerusalem before Absalom, as David had said.

From there he graciously welcomed Absalom,

who came to Jerusalem as if he were a real king.

"Hail, king! Hail, king!"

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Absalom, who saw Hushai, said:

"Is this to repay the grace of your friend King David? Why did not you go with your friends?"

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Hushai wisely spoke to Absalom to believe in himself.

"I am on the side of the LORD, this people, and all the people of Israel.

I will be with the king. I have served the king's father before, but who will serve now?

It's David's son! I will serve the king."

Absalom believed Hushai and accepted him.

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The people who were with Absalom gathered to form a plan to defeat David.

Ahithophel, who rebelled against David,

told Absalom that he would completely destroy David.

"ive me 12,000 soldiers. I will pursue David tonight.

When David is weary and weak, I will catch him up. If we fear, the people will be scattered. Then I will kill David only, and all the other people will return to you."

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All the servants who heard the word of Ahithophel thought that it was a wonderful plan.

If Ahithophel's plan was followed, King David could be in great danger.

But Absalom said, "Call Hushai. I will hear Him and judge Him."

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After listening to Ahithophel's plan through Absalom,

Hushai gave a different opinion to Ahithophel to protect David.

"The plan of Ahithophel is not good now. As the king knows, David is a mighty man.

They are now as angry as the bear that lost their cubs.

They are already in good position and ready for attack.

It will be difficult to win those brave men with a small number of soldiers."

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"Then what shall I do?"

"Let the king direct all the people and go out into battle.

If you attack them as if dew come down from the sky,

they will be defeated even if they are intrepid. They will either annihilate or surrender."

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Absalom who heard Hushai's advice and the people said,

"Hushai's advise is much better than Ahithophel."

This is why God made Absalom listen to Hushai's advice rather than

Ahithophel's advice to protect David.

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Ahithophel was greatly disappointed that he did not follow his plan.

Ahithophel was a smart man.

It seems that he had predicted that Absalom would be defeated by David in battle.

Ahithophel went back to his house and tied his neck to commit suicide.

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David's soldiers, who knew all the plans of Absalom through Hushai,

were able to defeat the war with Absalom's soldiers.

God heard King David's prayer and destroyed the plan of Ahithophel through Hushai.

God kept the King David, whom he had built, to the end.

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Today Ahithophel was a wise man who knew how to win in battle.

However, since the task of expelling and killing David from the throne was a rebellion against God, the plan collapsed without force.

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Our thoughts and plans should always be based on God's Word.

In doing so, we can live a life that pleases God without going astray.

That's why we need to be interested in learning the the Word of God.

I hope that all the friends who always think and act according to the Word of God

and live a life that God is pleased with.

(This is the sample conclusion provided by CTM. Please feel free to change the conclusion to best suit the listeners of your sermon.)