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When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey, and arose, and got him home, to his city, and set his house in order, and hanged himself; and he died, and was buried in the tomb of his father.
Verse Takeaways
1
The Poison of Wounded Pride
Commentators agree that Ahithophel's suicide was fueled by immense pride. His identity was so tied to his reputation for wisdom that he couldn't bear the humiliation of his counsel being rejected. Albert Barnes calls him an example of the 'impotence of worldly wisdom,' while Matthew Henry notes that what 'will break a proud man's heart will not break a humble man's sleep.' His story is a stark warning against the destructive nature of an unsubmissive ego.
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2 Samuel
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4
18th Century
Presbyterian
To his city — To Giloh. Ahithophel was likely motivated by deep humiliation at the slight of his counsel being rejected. He is a memorable e…
19th Century
Anglican
And hanged himself. —Ahithophel was moved, not merely by chagrin at the rejection of his counsel, but was shrewd enough t…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed , &c.] But that of Hushai:
he saddled […
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Ahithophel hanged himself out of frustration that his counsel was not followed. That which will break a proud man's heart will not break a humble m…
