Shmuel II Chapter 17 | Chushai's Counsel

Chushai faces an exceptionally difficult task: thwarting Achitofel’s counsel. Achitofel is regarded as a top-tier advisor: "In those days, the counsel Achitofel gave was considered tantamount to the word sought from God" (16:23). Moreover, Chushai’s loyalty is under suspicion. At first, Avshalom accepts Achitofel’s counsel, which seems good in the eyes of both Avshalom and all the elders. Only after this does he summon Chushai to hear his perspective.

To succeed in his mission, Chushai crafts his counsel carefully, presenting it in two parts. In the first part, he explains why “this time the counsel Achitofel has given you is not good,” and in the second part, he offers an alternative plan. Throughout his proposal, Chushai employs captivating imagery, strong arguments, and ideas that resonate deeply with Avshalom’s inner world.

While Achitofel portrays David as weary and vulnerable, Chushai depicts him as a skilled warrior capable of delivering a surprising defeat to Avshalom. Chushai uses imagery we have encountered earlier in the Book of Shmuel — images likely familiar to Avshalom — which helps to persuade him (a diagram from the book “עולם התנך” is included below).

The structure of Chushai's advice is concentric (see second diagram below). The opening of each section aligns with its conclusion, with the central argument of each part being the key reason Avshalom should choose Chushai's counsel. When arguing why Achitofel’s advice is flawed, Chushai emphasizes a potential nightmare scenario: if Achitofel’s surprise attack fails, “rumor will spread that there has been a massacre among the supporters of Avshalom.’” Such an unexpected defeat could trigger a chain reaction of demoralization, causing the rebellion to fail. In contrast, in the second part of his counsel, Chushai highlights the significant benefit of his plan: Avshalom himself would lead the army. “And you yourself must go forth in battle.” Avshalom, who loves displays of honor — and perhaps fears Achitofel backstabbing him — embraces the idea that he will lead the charge, commanding an army representing all of Israel.

The notion of Avshalom going to war himself is the total opposite of Achitofel’s plan. Achitofel advises Avshalom to strike David directly, scattering all of David’s loyal followers: “I will strike down just the king. And I will bring all the troops back to you, and when all have come back but the man you seek, all the people will have peace.” Ultimately, however, Avshalom’s decision to lead the battle — and his resulting downfall — will achieve the opposite outcome: his death will end the rebellion.

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