2 Samuel 16:21-22
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Ahithophel’s advice isn't just about asserting dominance; it’s a calculated move to create an irreversible public break. By defiling David's concubines, Absalom commits an act so egregious that it severs any remaining ties to his father, effectively forcing everyone to choose sides. This shame also serves to unite Absalom’s faction, as they are now all complicit in this shocking defiance.
Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the house, and all Israel will hear that you have made yourself a stench to your father, and the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof. And Absalom went in to his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Absalom has just rebelled against his father David and taken control of Jerusalem, while David has fled. Ahithophel, a trusted counselor to David, has now sided with Absalom and is giving him advice on how to solidify his power. This shocking suggestion is intended to permanently alienate Absalom from David, making reconciliation impossible and thus ensuring Absalom's victory.
Why would a trusted advisor suggest such a shocking and degrading act? Ahithophel's counsel to Absalom is one of the most chilling moments in Scripture.
Ahithophel's advice to Absalom to sleep with David's concubines wasn't just about fulfilling a sexual desire. It was a calculated political move designed to achieve several brutal objectives:
Severing Ties Completely
By committing this incestuous act, Absalom would irrevocably alienate himself from David. There would be no going back, no possibility of reconciliation. This act symbolized a complete rejection of David's authority and lineage.
Public Humiliation
The act was meant to be public knowledge. The phrase "all Israel will hear" emphasizes the goal of widespread shame and disgrace for David. It painted David as weak, unable to control his household, and ripe for replacement.
Strengthening Absalom's Hand
Ahithophel understood that fear and shock could rally support. By showing he was willing to commit such a heinous act, Absalom would appear bold and decisive to his followers, solidifying their commitment and attracting others who were disgruntled with David's rule.
Ahithophel uses a powerful, visceral image: 'a stench.' What does this tell us about the nature of true rebellion?
The word 'stench' (Hebrew: bosheth) in this context speaks of shame, disgrace, and utter putridity. Ahithophel's strategy was to create an odor of scandal that would cling to David and, by association, to anyone still loyal to him.
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More Than Just Offense
It wasn't just about causing David emotional pain. A 'stench' in ancient culture was often associated with death, decay, and uncleanness – things that repelled people and marked something as cursed or defiled. Ahithophel wanted David to be seen as morally bankrupt and unfit to rule.
The Power of Public Opinion
Rebellion often hinges on manipulating public perception. Ahithophel knew that if the people believed David was utterly disgraced and rejected by his own son in such a shocking way, their allegiance would easily shift to Absalom, who was presenting himself as the righteous alternative.
Understand the original words
pilegesh · Hebrew Noun
A king's secondary wife of lower status, whose children generally did not inherit the throne but who was nonetheless considered the king's property and exclusive sexual partner. In a political context, taking the king's concubines was a symbolic act of seizing the throne.
ba'ash · Hebrew Verb
A metaphorical expression signifying to be odious, detestable, or repulsive, particularly through an act of public betrayal or shame that creates an irreversible breach in a relationship.
yad · Hebrew Noun
A term denoting moral or physical might, authority, or the capacity to act. In a military context, 'strengthening hands' refers to encouraging or emboldening someone to pursue a course of action with vigor.
Ahithophel's counsel to defile David's concubines is a shocking act of deep personal and political betrayal, aimed at making reconciliation between David and Absalom impossible and solidifying Absalom's claim to the throne through a heinous act of shame.
c. 1010 BC
David's affair with Bathsheba
King David commits adultery with Bathsheba and arranges for her husband Uriah to be killed in battle, a sin that leads to divine judgment upon his household.
c. 1006 BC
Amnon rapes Tamar
David's eldest son, Amnon, rapes his half-sister Tamar, and David fails to punish Amnon, sowing seeds of further discord.
c. 1005 BC
Absalom avenges Tamar
Absalom, Tamar's full brother, murders Amnon in revenge and then flees into exile for several years.
c. 1000 BC
Absalom returns and plots
After being allowed to return to Jerusalem but not see David, Absalom begins to win over the hearts of the people and plots a coup against his father.
c. 997 BC— this verse
Absalom's rebellion begins
Absalom publicly declares himself king in Hebron and gathers a large following, forcing David to flee Jerusalem.
c. 997 BC
Ahithophel advises Absalom
Ahithophel, a trusted counselor to David, defects to Absalom's side and offers strategic advice, including this shocking suggestion.
This passage speaks about the severe consequences of defiling a father's bed, directly linking to the taboo nature of Ahithophel's suggestion and its intended effect of alienating Absalom from his father.
1 Kings 2:13-17This passage shows another instance where a claimant to the throne (Adonijah) makes a similar request concerning Solomon's father's concubines, demonstrating a pattern of such acts signifying a public usurpation and a break from the previous lineage.
2 Samuel 15:10-12Ahithophel's counsel here is a stark example of the malicious and spiritually destructive advice he gives, paralleling his earlier advice to Absalom to publicly defile David's household and solidify his rebellion.
Psalm 41:9This psalm, which Jesus quotes, speaks of betrayal by a close companion, reflecting the deep treachery seen in Ahithophel's actions, who was David's trusted counselor but advised Absalom in this wicked way.
Ahithophel’s advice isn't just about asserting dominance; it’s a calculated move to create an irreversible public break. By defiling David's concubines, Absalom commits an act so egregious that it severs any remaining ties to his father, effectively forcing everyone to choose sides. This shame also serves to unite Absalom’s faction, as they are now all complicit in this shocking defiance.
Absalom has just rebelled against his father David and taken control of Jerusalem, while David has fled. Ahithophel, a trusted counselor to David, has now sided with Absalom and is giving him advice on how to solidify his power. This shocking suggestion is intended to permanently alienate Absalom from David, making reconciliation impossible and thus ensuring Absalom's victory.
Absalom has just rebelled against his father David and taken control of Jerusalem, while David has fled. Ahithophel, a trusted counselor to David, has now sided with Absalom and is giving him advice on how to solidify his power. This shocking suggestion is intended to permanently alienate Absalom from David, making reconciliation impossible and thus ensuring Absalom's victory.
"Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the house, and all Israel will hear that you have made yourself a stench to your father, and the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.”…" — Ahithophel’s advice isn't just about asserting dominance; it’s a calculated move to create an irreversible public break. By defiling David's concubines, Absalom commits an act so egregious that it se…
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Last reviewed October 2026
