David’s prayer for Ahithophel’s counsel to be regarded as foolishness (15:31) is answered, when Absolam ignores Ahithophel’s advice and instead listens to Hushai (17:14). Ahithophel’s advice was usually so wise, it was as if it was the word of God (16:23). He was so deeply affected by this rejection of his advice, went home and hung himself (17:23). Ahithophel’s pride in his own ability to analyse a situation cost him his life.
In Jeremiah 21 we read that while our God forgives and is merciful, He has a limit which the people of Israel had now reached. Unrepentant and disinterested in serving God, He would now fight against them in their battles with the Babylonians, without pity or compassion, saying “I have set my face against this city for harm and not for good.”
Paul reminds us that there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” The spirit of God needs to dwell in us, leaving no room for the mind of the flesh. Let us live our lives led by the spirit of God, and so be counted as God’s children.