Ahithophel

One of David’s advisers when he first became king. For reasons not stated in the Bible, Ahithophel joined Absalom in rebelling against David. Ahithophel urged Absalom to gather twelve thousand men and attack while David and his army were tired and discouraged. However, Absalom also asked the advice of another man, Hushai. He suggested that Absalom postpone the battle until he could gather a larger army. God caused Absalom to take Hushai’s advice instead of Ahithophel’s. When Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he killed himself.