After four years of self-promotion Absalom’s conspiracy had spread and broke out into a full force rebellion against David. Absalom went to Hebron where the trumpet call sounded across the land as people shouted in unison, “Absalom is king in Hebron!” (2 Samuel 15:10) A messenger was sent to inform David that, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” (2 Samuel 15:13)

David fled Jerusalem and headed east over the Mount of Olives into the Judean wilderness. But, not before he  set a few wheels into motion to confuse and confront Absalom. David sent Hushai the Arkite, one of his most trusted and wise advisors back to provide Absalom with bad advice. Absalom already had a group of advisors and wise counselors which included the leading advisor Ahithophel (Bathsheba’s grandfather).

When Absalom saw Hushai the Arkite enter his court after Absalom had arrived in Jerusalem, Absalom was at first suspicious of Hushai and questioned his loyalty to his friend David. Absalom asked Hushai, “Is this the love you show your friend?”

Hushai’s quick and logical response was enough to convince the arrogant and self-centered Absalom. Hushai told Absalom,

“No, the one chosen by the Lord, by these people, and by all the men of Israel – his I will be!” (2 Samuel 16:18-20)

Although it was a lie and other counselors could see right through the ploy, Absalom’s own arrogance prevented him from seeing the deception since he had convinced himself that he was chosen by God. Absalom had conspired for four years and portrayed himself as the one chosen by all the men in Israel! In fact, because Hushai simply told Absalom what Absalom wanted to be true, Absalom immediately dropped all suspicion, considered Hushai a truly wise counselor and welcomed him into his court.

When it came time to develop the battle plans Ahithophel (who despised David) actually gave solid advice that would have destroyed David and secured Absalom’s rebellion.  Hushai spoke second and smoothly, but he spoke deceitfully. Hushai’s advice used correct facts, but his application of these facts was very poor. Fortunately for David, Absalom rejected the good advice of Ahithophel and went with Hushai’s worthless advice. Because of this blunder by Absalom the rebellion was over almost as soon as it had started. And, Ahithophel knew it was over and that the traitors would not escape…see 2 Samuel 27:23.

In an attempt to state the doctrine of the Trinity in words Charles Ryrie says:

“A definition of the Trinity is not easy to construct. Some are done by stating several propositions. Others err on the side either of oneness or threeness. One of the best is Warfield’s: ‘There is one only and true God, but in the unity of the Godhead there are three coeternal and coequal Persons, the same in substance but distinct in subsistence.’ The word “Persons” might be misleading as if there were three individuals in the Godhead, but what other word would suffice? The word “substance” might be too materialistic; some would prefer the use the word “essence.” Many will not know the meaning of subsistence, but a dictionary can remedy that (‘necessary existence’).”

- Charles Ryrie,
Basic Theology, 1999, p.61