2 Samuel 17:1-2 Ahithophel said to Absalom, “I would choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. I would attack him while he is weary and weak. I would strike him with terror, and then all the people with him will flee. I would strike down only the king.
Ahithophel was the chief advisor to King David who turned against David when Absalom, (David’s son) rebelled. The advice of Ahithophel was esteemed like a word from God by both King David and Absalom. The conspiracy against King David was to attack and kill him at night but the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom (vs 14). Terror at night was lurking for King David yet the God of Israel was his protection and fortress. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day (Psalm 91:5).
It is true both metaphorically and in reality, that the enemy plots to attack God’s people at night. “Night” is symbolically the time when we are relaxed, unguarded and vulnerable. The enemy waits to pounce on us when we are susceptible and defenseless. However, when it is dark and when we are asleep, the God of Israel watches over us. Hence, we need not be afraid of the scheme that is conspiring against us behind our back, in the dark. We have a God who is wiser than the craftiest turncoats and He will frustrate the plans of the Ahithophels.
David and his faithful followers were exposed to the evil counsels of Ahithophel yet, David prayed a simple prayer – “Lord, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness” (2 Samuel 15:31), and the Lord not only frustrated the plan of Ahithophel but also disestablished “the cunning, crafty and crooked” from the kingdom of David. The Lord God will do the same for you and for me.
While we sleep, the victory is won:
- Crafty: Don’t be afraid of the crafty plots – God will frustrate them.
- Cunning: The cunning that plot against us will fall into the same pit that they dig for us.
- Canny: The Lord God will defend us and turn their astuteness into foolishness.
No terror will strike us by night.
Prayer: Jesus my Defender, please frustrate the schemes of the evil men who haunt me. Amen.
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