AHITHOPHEL (brother of foolishness, i. e. foolish), the very singular name of the man who, in the time of David, was renowned throughout all Israel for his worldly wisdom. He was of the council of David; but at the time of Absalom's revolt, was at Giloh, his native place, whence he was summoned to Jerusalem; and it shows the strength of Absalom's cause in Israel that a man so capable of foreseeing results, and estimating the probabilities of success, took his side in so daring an attempt. (2 Sam. xv. 12.) The news of
this defection appears to have occasioned David more alarm than any other single incident in the rebellion. He earnestly prayed God to turn the sage counsel of Ahithophel "to foolishness" (probably alluding to his name); and being immediately after joined by his old friend Hushai, he induced him to go over to Absalom with the express view that he might be instrumental in defeating the counsels of this dangerous person. (xv. 31-37.) Hushai interposed with his plausible advice, the object of which was to gain time to enable David to collect his resources. When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was rejected for that of Hushai, he gave up the cause of Absalom for lost; and he forthwith returned to his home, and hanged himself, B.C. 1023. (ch. xvii.) This is the only case of suicide which the Old Testament records, unless the last acts of Samson and Saul may be regarded as such.