Ahithophel: A Portrait of Bitterness

Trent Cornwell

Vision Baptist Church

Long Story Short • Sermon • Submitted 2 years ago • Presented 9 days ago

Bitter

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Text: 2 Samuel 17, Exodus 15

Introduction

Last week we saw how Boaz was a picture of our redeemer. He did what the law was unable to do. In Boaz’s demonstration of grace in Ruth’s life we saw a picture of the Redeemer’s grace in our lives. This week we go to the other side of the spectrum.

Here are two Psalms that may describe the character we will look at tonight. These Passages in two psalms may be about this brilliant but sad man (Psalms 41:9 and 55:12-14). Interestingly, these psalms also were mentioned by Jesus as finding “fulfillment” in a later traitor to the Son of David who also hanged himself when his own plans for Jesus’ destiny were not followed (Matt 26:23; John 13:18; Acts 1:16).

Ahithophel is one of those lesser-known characters in Scripture. But he is an excellent example of how bitterness can corrupt the soul. Bitterness is an issue we all need to deal with. Before I jump into a portrait, prescription, and plan for bitterness I would like to give you an easy to remember definition. Bitterness: unresolved violation of your justice system (brings hurt and anger). I heard this many years ago from Dr. Jim Schettler and thankfully have never forgot it.

We are moving our our Long Story Short Series to Sunday Nights. I really want to be able to tell some of the most wonderful stories in the world to you and your kids. Stories are powerful.

Genesis 1:1“1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

Job 1:1 “1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.”

Luke 2:1 “1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.”

John 1:6 “6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.”

Luke 10:30 “30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.”

God is telling the world a story. It begins in eternity past and stretches into eternity future. Human beings are story-shaped creatures. We are born into stories, raised in stories, and live and die in stories. Whenever we have to answer a big question — who am I, why am I here, what should I do, what happens to me when I die? — we tell a story. Powerful stories change us. Let us not be the generation that doesn’t pass on the stories. Please, be patient with me I am an aspiring story teller.

The shortest road to understanding the Bible is the acceptance of the fact that God is speaking on every line. God reminded me this week that He has spoken and He wants His voice to be heard in the life of children, young and old.

Story of Ahithophel

Once upon a time, in the land of Israel, there lived a king named David, a man after God's own heart. But even the most righteous among us can fall into sin as David did when he gave into the temptation of adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, one of his loyal soldiers. To hide his sin, David arranged for Uriah's death, a deed that did not escape the notice of the prophet Nathan.

Nathan's words of condemnation echoed through the palace, foretelling that from within David's own household, enemies would arise against him. And arise they did, three of his sons—Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah—each causing turmoil and strife, their actions casting a shadow over David's reign and the succession of his son Solomon.

But there was another figure, a man whose name began with an "A," whose betrayal would cut even deeper. Ahithophel, once a trusted advisor to David, possessed wisdom renowned throughout the land. His counsel was sought after as if it were the very word of God.

When Absalom, David's own son, rebelled against him, Ahithophel saw an opportunity for revenge. He joined Absalom's cause, lending his wisdom and cunning to the young prince's revolt. With his strategic mind, Ahithophel advised Absalom to strike swiftly and decisively, to crush David before he could gather his forces.

But God's plans are not so easily stopped by the schemes of men. Another advisor, Hushai, loyal to David, cleverly convinced Absalom to delay his attack, appealing to his pride and vanity. And so, Absalom, hungry for glory, heeded Hushai's words instead of Ahithophel's.

As the battle unfolded, Absalom's forces clashed with David's, and the prince met his end in a tragic and manner. When Ahithophel realized that his counsel had been ignored, and his fate sealed by David's impending victory, he retreated to his home, consumed by despair. In a final act of desperation, he took his own life, choosing death over the shame of defeat.

But amidst the tragedy and turmoil, a forgotten connection emerges. Ahithophel, the betrayer, was also kin to David by marriage, the grandfather of Bathsheba herself. It is not difficult to imagine the bitterness and resentment that must have festered within him after David's betrayal of Uriah and his family.

Thus, the tale of Ahithophel serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of sin and betrayal, and the tangled webs they weave within the tapestry of our lives.

The road of bitterness leads to death. Because it is the way of sin. You may think you can take a short walk on it but unless something miraculous happens you never will get off that road.

Tonight, we see a man whose life is lost in the pursuit of vengeance. When God tell us to hand our unforgiveness to Him and that vengeance is of the Lord He lovingly taking from us the poison that is so ready to kill us. Dr. Jim Schettler paints it vividly: Bitterness: unresolved violation of your justice system (brings hurt and anger)

1. Portrait of Bitterness

A. When the ‘unjustice” is not dealt with properly it will show back up with vengeance.

1. David was very close to him. Psalm 41:9 “9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.”

B. Bitterness is often the Trojan horse in that leads to great destruction

From the outside everything appeared fine.

In spite of the fact that Ahithophel gave every outward indication that all was well between himself and the Lord and between himself and David, there was something working in his heart that would destroy everything. Even during these times of his life, Ahithophel was being eaten alive, from the inside out, by an event that had happened years earlier.

Ahithophel was an incredible counselor. 2 Samuel 16:23 And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

Sobering knowing he could do such a “good job” with a bitter heart.

Spoke the “oracles of God” and helped others.

H.B. Charles taught last week to be roots and not pipes when handling God’s Word.

Gave counsel to Absalom on two occassions.

Take concubines on the roof. 17:21

Attack David quick while they are weak. 17:1

Motivated by a desire to humiliate David.

Fulfilled prophecy of 2 Samuel 12:11 “11 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.”

Good advice from a military perspective, but was ignored.

Hushai appeals to Absalom’s ego and is listened to.

Bitter people find bitter people.

Absalom knew Ahiboleth would join him. 2 Samuel 15:11–12“11 And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing. 12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.”

Bathsheba’s grandfather.

Bathsheba is Eliam’s daughter 2 Samuel 11:3 “3 And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?”

Eliam is Ahithopel’s son.

D. Bitterness causes you to direct all your energy and decision to correct you unresolved violation of your justice system.

As an older man he wanted to lead an army and personally kill David himself. His bitterness was showing.

He allowed his anger to burn for some 9 years, all the while feigning friendship toward David, biding his time until he could exact revenge.

This bitterness ate Ahithophel alive until he was brought to the point of intrigue and murder. 2 Samuel 17:1–4“1 Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night: 2 And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only: 3 And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace. 4 And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.”

When he realized he could not set things straight he took his own life. 2 Samuel 17:23 “23 And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.”

2. Prescription for Bitterness A. What is bitterness?

Bitterness: unresolved violation of your justice system (brings hurt and anger) - Jim Schettler

It can manifest itself in a horizontal or vertical fashion.

Maybe problem isn't with God; but it is with my boss, my sibling, my parents, that divorce, that mean abusive family member, etc.

Maybe you don't think your problem is God but you are mad at someone and you don’t know who. Well that is most likely God.

It can come in big and seemingly noble ways (my dad) and in small and petty ways (like you and the lack of a handshake)

B. Bitterness often comes after unmet expectations

When you come to Bitter. Exodus 15:23 “23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.”

Three days without water comes with the expectation of water, which comes with a look for water, then a look for someone to solve our water problem.

You may not notice it as a root, but just wait. Hebrews 12:15 “15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;”

C. A decision is made in this moment that will lead you down a path.

When the seed of offense lands in the soil of your heart, you can respond either Biblically or sinfully.

Unkind words

Sticks and stones may break my bones… but they will also break yours.

Many times the “insufficient” compliment hurts more than the critic.

Unexplained loss

We are constantly doing inventory on life and deciding what we can and cannot live without.

When any of those things are threatened we respond to that threat.

Unjust actions

We think we understand fairness but we know nothing of justice.

The Psalmist struggled with envy because they couldn't see life from God’s perspective.

Unfilled expectations.

Ever had a sick heart? Proverbs 13:22 “22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”

The number one cause of bitterness in marriages; unmet expectations.

III. Plan to address the bitterness in our lives.

A. There is hope.

Eliam might have been Ahiboleth son, but he was one of David’s mighty men. 2 Samuel 23:24 “24 Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,”

Whatever the father wasn't able to resolve the son was able to.

This is very, very exciting for those of you who were raised by bitter people.

Ahithopel’s great, grandson would be the wisest man to ever live but he will never see him win one spelling bee.

Joy and sorrow often coexist, but joy and bitterness cannot.

B. The road of bitterness leads to death. Because it is the way of sin.

Some of you may have been born on this road and others may think you are just visiting it.

Know that while allowing for them bitterness we are not allowing for God to work in our lives. 1 John 4:20 “20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”

C. If you are waiting for the opportunity to act upon your bitterness, you will probably get the chance.

Absalom sent for Ahiboleth and he already knew his answer.

He should have set his life in order at this point but he sealed his death. 2 Samuel 17:23 “23 And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.”

Regardless of what happens it you will not find the satisfaction in it that you hope.

Time to put your heart in order before bitterness destroys.

D. Forgiveness is surrender to the right to hurt others in response to the way they’ve hurt us.

Forgiveness is not saying that sin doesn’t matter. It is not approving of what the other person has done, minimizing the offense, or denying we’ve been wronged. Ephesians 4:32“32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

Forgiveness doesn’t always mean reconciliation or restoration.

It does not require restoring trust or inviting the people who hurt us back into a relationship.

Forgiveness is unconditional, but meaningful reconciliation and restoration are conditional (in the gospel and in human relationships) on the offender’s genuine repentance, humble willingness to accept the consequences of his actions, and a desire by both parties to work on the relationship.

Forgiving people also doesn’t mean they won’t experience consequences for their sin.

Forgiveness is costly. In the Bible, it involves shedding blood. Sacrifice. Death. Hebrews 9:22 “22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.”

E. The tree is needed to make what is bitter sweet.

You cannot cling to bitterness and to God.

Eliam means “the people of God”

Eliam was listed as one of the mighty men of 1 Samuel 23.

Eliam knew about sacrifices.

Every year they observed Yom Kippur. (October 11)

They would recognize their need for forgiveness and their need for a Messiah that would forgive them of their sins.

Here you can forgive the unforgivable because you have been forgiven.

Ahithobel decided he could set in order the unresolved violation of his justice system.

Which will you choose? (1) Forgiveness and life. (2) Bitterness and death.

Conclusion - Do not believe that your bitterness will go away when the other person takes the first step. Jesus has taken every step needed for you to get the relief from your bitterness tonight. - Don’t think because you can teach “the oracles of God” you cannot have bitterness in your heart. - You can make the heart sweet. Only one thing need to be added. It is the cross. - It takes the bitter water and makes it sweet. - Do you have an unresolved violation of your justice system?

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