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Suicide. It’s almost a dirty word in some circles. Painfully personal, this word is about as loaded a word as any in the English language. This week on the podcast, we’re going to study the suicide of Samson.

We now start our study on what the Bible says about suicide, by studying the suicides that are recorded in the Bible itself. There are seven suicides: Abimelech, Samson, Saul, Saul’s armorbearer, Ahithophel, Zimri, and Judas Iscariot. Today we begin with Abimelech, the first King of Israel, in Judges chapter 6.

Absalom has asked for Hushai’s advice, and prefers it to Ahithophel’s. Hushai then dispatches Ahimaaz and Jonathan – how barely escape. Ahithophel sees his advice is not followed, so he goes home, sets his house in order, and commits suicide. Many many consequences from David’s sin!

You know, Ahithophel was mad. Really mad. If he was indeed Bathsheba’s grandfather, which is highly likely, he had every reason to be mad. Called out of retirement by Absalom, Ahithophel was ready for revenge. Now that Absalom had defiled David’s concubines, Ahithophel gives good advice on how to proceed, but he, Ahithophel, will lead…

Well, it seems I forgot to upload my radio broadcast to WGCR for the 12th, but didn’t forget to upload here. Since I am playing what I had recorded for the 12th today, there isn’t a new podcast. So be praying for next week’s message!

Now that David has fled Jerusalem, the stage is set for Absalom’s entry. When Absalom arrives, Hushai greets him and pledges allegience. Ahithophel then gives some seemingly strange advice to Absalom. This week, we explore these events.