And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father’s concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.
And Ahithophel said to Absalom, 'Sleep with your father's concubines, whom he left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that your father completely despises you, then everyone who follows you will be encouraged and fight harder.'
Ahithophel advised Absalom to publicly disgrace his father David by taking his concubines, believing this would make Absalom's supporters more committed to the rebellion since there would be no possibility of reconciliation.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of 2 Samuel, Absalom had launched a rebellion against his father, King David, and had seized control of Jerusalem while David fled to safety. Ahithophel, once David's trusted advisor, betrayed him and advised Absalom to publicly take David's concubines as a bold move to solidify his claim to the throne and make reconciliation impossible. This advice drew from ancient Near Eastern customs where claiming a ruler's harem symbolized a complete takeover of power and authority.
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