At this time - Rather, “The counsel that Ahithophel has given this time is not good.” He contrasts it with the counsel given before ([Refere…

Not good at this time. —The words, at this time, should be transposed. What Hushai says is This time the counsel of A…

And Hushai said to Absalom
Having leave to give his opinion freely:

Here was a wonderful effect of Divine Providence blinding Absalom's mind and influencing his heart, so that he could not rest in Ahithophel's couns…