Who is…
Ahithophel

also known as: Ahitophel or Achitofel

Hebrew: אֲחִיתֹפֶל —transliteration: Achiythophel —meaning: brother of folly —occurrences: 20 in Samuel and Chronicles

Ahithophel the Gilonite was a man greatly renowned for his keen perception and intelligence among the Jews. He is the grandfather of David’s wife Bathsheba.

At the time of Absalom’s revolt he deserted David (Psalm 41:9; 55:12-14) and promoted the cause of Absalom (2 Samuel 15:12).

David sent his old friend Hushai back to Absalom, in order that he might counteract the counsel of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:31-37).

Absalom listened, and when Ahithophel realized that he no longer had any influence, he at once left Absalom’s camp and returned to Giloh, his native place, where, after arranging his wordly affairs, he hanged himself, and was buried in the grave of his fathers (2 Samuel 17:1-23).

He was a type of Judas (Psalm 41:9).