Ahitophel
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- See Absalom and Achitophel for the political allegory about the Monmouth Rebellion by John Dryden.
Ahithophel - "brother of insipidity or impiety", a man greatly renowned for his sagacity. At the time of Absalom's revolt he deserted David (Psalm. 41:9; 55:12-14) and espoused 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 Sam. 15:31-37). This end was so far gained that Ahithophel saw he had no longer any influence, and accordingly he at once left the camp of Absalom and returned to Giloh, his native place, where, after arranging his wordly affairs, he hanged himself, and was buried in the sepulchre of his fathers (2 Sam. 17:1-23).
This entry incorporates text from Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897, with some modernisation.