Find And Explore A Biblical Example Of Advising. Set The Sta ✓ Solved
Find and explore a Biblical example of advising. Set the sta
Find and explore a Biblical example of advising. Set the stage by describing the pericope and its situation, and what happened.
Analyze and evaluate what happened, the actions of the people, and the results. Describe salient applications for advising in general, and for advising you may do.
Use commentaries and the Bible to discern wisdom from advisors in the Bible, both good and bad.
Do an insightful study of: 1) David's personal advisors (Ahithophel & Hushai; 2 Samuel 8:15-18, 2 Samuel 8; including Nathan 2 Samuel 12).
2) Absalom's personal advisors (2 Samuel 16:15–17:23).
3) The advisor to Jehoshaphat and Ahaz (2 Chronicles 18–23), Prophet Micaiah.
4) Review the article "10 Biblical Principles for Making Wise Decisions" and the questions after each principle.
Paper For Above Instructions
Introduction and framing. Advising in the biblical record operates on two crucial axes: motive and outcome. The texts consistently invite readers to discern not only what is said, but why it is said, by whom, and to what end. An “advisor” figure may function as a trusted sage, a deceiver, a prophet, or a political counselor whose counsel bears consequential results for individuals and communities. This paper analyzes a prominent Trio of biblical advising—the contest between Ahithophel and Hushai in the service of Absalom’s rebellion—and then broadens the lens to include Micaiah’s prophetic counsel to Jehoshaphat and Ahaz. Through this study, we identify patterns of good and bad advising, consider the ethical dimensions of influence, and derive practical implications for contemporary advising. (2 Samuel 15–17; 2 Chronicles 18–23)
Stage setting: Absalom’s ascent and the counter-counsel. The pericope centers on Absalom’s rebellion against David and the internal council that shapes his decisions. Ahithophel’s advice to Absalom possessed extraordinary persuasive weight; his counsel is described as “like the word of God” (2 Samuel 16:23), a formulation that underscores the perceived authority and weight of royal advice in ancient Near Eastern treasuries of wisdom. Yet the situation quickly demonstrates that authority and persuasive eloquence do not guarantee wise outcomes, especially when the advisor’s goals diverge from the king’s welfare or when competing counsel emerges. Absalom’s reception of Ahithophel’s strategy to strike swiftly against David reveals how charismatic counsel can be alluring even when it may bring danger. (2 Samuel 16:15–17:23; 2 Samuel 17)
Analysis of outcomes and actions. Ahithophel urged rapid military action against David, a plan that, if executed, could have decisively altered the course of the rebellion. Hushai, acting as a counter-counselor, offered a slower, more strategic approach intended to neutralize the enemy’s momentum and buy time for reinforcements and information gathering. The biblical narrator emphasizes that Ahithophel’s plan failed not merely because of tactical missteps, but because God “took” the counsel of Ahithophel to frustrate it (2 Samuel 15–17; 2 Samuel 17:14). The thwarted plan highlights a core lesson about advising: even the most persuasive human counsel may be overturned by divine or providential factors, and prudent counsel must anticipate capacity for change and counter-moves. Nathan’s earlier rebukes of David (2 Samuel 12) remind readers that counsel grounded in moral accountability remains essential, even when royal power seeks to suppress or substitute it. (2 Samuel 12; 2 Samuel 16:23)
Evaluating the advisers. Ahithophel’s advice often leveraged close ties and political leverage; his counsel was effective precisely because it exploited the momentum of the moment. Hushai’s approach, by contrast, assessed timing, resource mobilization, and the risk of miscalculation, reflecting a long-view prudence. The apparent success of Hushai’s slower plan is a reminder that wisdom in advising commonly requires a balance of courage, restraint, and patience, not merely the appearance of boldness. The ethical dimension centers on loyalty to the king and the people’s welfare, rather than personal vendetta or ambition. The narrative thus invites readers to consider the advisor’s aims, methods, and consequences as a package rather than as isolated lines of counsel. (2 Samuel 16:23; 2 Samuel 17; 2 Chronicles 18–23)
Applications for understanding advising in general. The Absalom narrative demonstrates several enduring principles for advising: (a) Motivation matters—counsel should aim at collective welfare rather than personal power; (b) Timing and information matter—delays or accelerations can dramatically change outcomes; (c) Counter-counsel is valuable—having diverse voices helps prevent single-minded risk; (d) The counselor’s track record matters—reliable patterns of judgment should inform trust; (e) Moral accountability is essential—potent counsel should face ethical scrutiny. Modern advising can draw from these patterns by prioritizing ethical intent, seeking diversity of perspectives, and accounting for the broader consequences of recommendations, including long-term organizational health. (NIV, 2 Samuel 8:15–18; 2 Samuel 12; Expositor’s Bible Commentary on Samuel)
Integrating the advisor’s study with Micaiah and Jehoshaphat/Ahaz. The Chronicles account of Micaiah’s interaction with Ahab contrasts political expediency with prophetic integrity. Micaiah’s initial, oblique forecast gives way to a direct, moral warning that the king’s alliance with a false oracle would lead to defeat. The tension between political calculation and prophetic truth offers a paradigm for evaluating wisdom in real-world advising: effective counsel may require an ethical insistence that transcends personal or political gain. It also demonstrates a robust role for dissenting voices within a leadership circle, even when dissent is not immediately popular. (2 Chronicles 18–23; 1 Kings 22; NIV text)
Concluding synthesis and practical applications. The biblical case studies show that effective advising is not simply about delivering clever lines but about aligning counsel with enduring goods such as justice, faithfulness, and communal welfare. For contemporary advisers—whether in religious communities, nonprofits, or corporate settings—the following takeaways emerge: seek a plural chorus of voices, distinguish motives clearly, test assumptions against ethical standards, anticipate unintended consequences, and remain open to corrective feedback when outcomes diverge from intentions. The Wisdom literature’s emphasis on discernment aligns with these patterns, underscoring that wise decisions require both sound information and wise judgment. The Watermark article, "10 Biblical Principles for Making Wise Decisions," offers a practical framework that complements biblical narratives by encouraging reflection on motivation, process, and accountability; readers should engage its questions after each principle as part of an ongoing practice of wise decision making. (Watermark article; Prov. 2; James 1:5)
Implications for advising that I or others may perform. As practitioners, teachers, or peers offering guidance, the biblical model urges humility, accountability, and a dependence on moral norms. The counsel we give should be designed to build up the community, protect the vulnerable, and promote truth-telling, even when it is costly. We ought to examine motives (Is the advice aimed at the common good or personal advantage?), ensure our information is accurate and comprehensive, and acknowledge when we lack expertise and should seek additional input. In short, biblical advising is a craft grounded in moral purpose, tested by outcomes, and guided by prophetic honesty when necessary. (2 Samuel 8:15–18; 2 Samuel 12; 2 Chronicles 18–23)