The advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one inquired of the word of God; so was all the advice of Ahithophel regarded by both David and Absalom. (2 Samuel 16:23 NASB)
This chapter, or even this entire account of David and Absalom, could be called, “Fooling Some Of The People Some Of The Time.” The contrast continues between David, the king selected by God, and his son, Absalom who would be king by right of treachery. Absalom has lied and burrowed his way into the hearts and minds of some of the people, the ‘men of Israel’, but David has true friends, true followers, and the true hearts and minds of the nation. At the last section of this chapter, we look at the would-be king, and his would-be advisers.
Knothole Theology 