Day 135: The Counsel of Hushai

 Today's readings: 2 Samuel 17, 1 Chronicles 22, and Psalm 36.

I. 2 Samuel 17 continues the competing counsel given to Absalom during his rebellion against King David. It also shows God's providence in preserving David despite Absalom's apparent advantage. Ahithophel, David's former adviser, proposes an aggressive military strategy to kill David, thus sparing his followers. Hushai, however, when asked, appealed to Absalom's pride and desire for glory by advising him to gather all Israel into a massive army and lead it personally into battle. Hushai also managed to warn David. When Ahithophel heard that Absalom rejected his plan, he knew his cause was doomed. He didn't flee, but instead hung himself like Judas Iscariot would do years later, rather than face justice for his betrayal. The chapter closes with David's army being strengthened, thanks to the generosity of supporters who provided supplies. 

II. In 1 Chronicles 22, David transitions from warrior-king to preparer for the Lord's Temple. God didn't permit David to build the Temple, but David devoted himself to ensuring that Solomon would have everything he needed to complete it. He chose the site where the Temple would be built and gathered the materials to build it. David told Solomon why he could not build the Temple and that Solomon would do so instead. He blessed Solomon and charged him to obey the Lord. Finally, he commanded all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon build the Temple.

The BIY Companion, Vol II, notes on David preparing for the Temple and Solomon building it:

In John 4, Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well, who says, "Our fathers worshipped on this mountain; and you say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship" (John 4:20). But Jesus replies, "The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth" (John 4:23). Here, we see a foreshadowing of the Holy Eucharist, given by Jesus at the Last Supper and celebrated throughout the world during Mass. (p. 32)

III. Psalm 36 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm interwoven with wisdom themes. It contrasts the folly of the wicked with the faithfulness of God and ends with a prayer for divine protection from evildoers. (p. 860)

That's it for today!