Ahitophel or Ahithophel was a counselor of King David and a man greatly renowned for his sagacity. During Absalom's revolt he deserted David and supported Absalom. Absalom had sought the advice of Ahitophel who advised Absalom to have incestuous relations with his father's concubines in order to show how all Israel how odious he was to his father [2 Samuel 16:20]. David sent his friend Hushai back to Absalom, in order to counteract the counsel of Ahitophel. Ahitophel had recommended an immediate attack on David's camp at a point where he was weary and vulnerable in order to kill David, whereas Hushai suggested that "the advice that Ahithophel has given is not good at this time" and recommended delay while a larger army was assembled to counter David's alleged strength. Hushai's advice was accepted "for the LORD had ordained to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, so that the LORD might bring ruin on Absalom". Seeing that his good advice against David had not been followed due to Hushai's influence, Ahithophel apparently surmised that the revolt would fail. He then left the camp of Absalom at once.