The Emotion of Offense

Synopsis     2Sam 17:8-14     1/9/2019 

Hushai the Archite remained behind in Jerusalem. King David asked him to do whatever he could to frustrate the wisdom of Ahithophel. So, he approached Absalom and offered his services. Absalom accepted his offer. And then, he asked Hushai his opinion of Ahithophel’s plan. 

Hushai knew that David needed more time to escape the area and consolidate his forces. He argued that Ahithophel’s plan was rash. In opposition to Ahithophel, Hushai counseled Absalom to wait for the creation of a very large force. And then, he advised that Absalom himself should go out and crush David along with all of his followers.  

Absalom accepted Hushai’s counsel over Ahithophel’s. 

Ahithophel’s Motive 

Ahithophel was a trusted advisor to King David. And he was renowned for his wisdom. However, he was also the grandfather of Bathsheba. And it’s likely that his son Elias, was among David’s mighty men.  

So, David’s adultery with Bathsheba was a deep offense. And David’s murder of her husband was a grave injustice. Ahithophel was offended. Moreover, it’s likely that he interpreted Absalom’s coup as God’s wrath on David for these offenses.  

But this is curious. Ahithophel was the wisest man in the world. Yet, because he felt the feelings of offense, he made the very unwise decision to support Absalom against David. And, of course, God thwarted his wisdom in the end.  

The Emotion of Offense 

When I am offended, I feel the offense. The experience is not a matter of thinking.  

In fact, the feelings of being offended are one of the quickest ways to exit rational thought and behavior.  

God’s grace is enough. The offenses come and the offenses go but steadfast is the grace of the Lord. 

“Thus says the LORD: Let not the wise boast of his wisdom, nor the strong boast of his strength, nor the rich man boast of his riches;” Jer 9:22