II Samuel 18

“For the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel” (v14).  Absalom had orchestrated a coup against his father, King David, and he had many loyal friends and experienced advisors on his side.  However, Absalom ignored Ahithophel’s good advice in favor of Hushai’s strategy, not knowing that Hushai was a double agent, loyal to David, and his “strategy” would lead to David’s victory.  Absalom missed the bigger picture, which was God’s plan.

“Shall we do as he says?” (v6).  Strategy, goal-setting, and good advice are good tools, but they will all fail unless our priority is loyalty to the Lord and obedience to His voice.