Betrayal and the Perils of Influence

2 Samuel 15:12 "And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counsellor,

from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy

was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom." Absalom strengthened

his rebellion by recruiting Ahithophel, a trusted counselor of David. This moment marks

a dangerous turning point—wisdom once used for righteousness was now aligned with betrayal.

The verse reminds us that influence, when detached from faithfulness to God,

can become destructive. Even spiritual acts like sacrifices were used to disguise sinful ambition.

God calls His people to loyalty rooted in truth, not popularity or power.