15:31 Ahithophel. Ahithophel, a wise counselor for both King David and Prince Absalom (II Samuel 16:23), had apparently been waiting for many years for an opportunity to take revenge against the king. Ahithophel was the father of Eliam, Bathsheba’s father (II Samuel 23:34; 11:3). Bathsheba had been the wife of Uriah before David committed adultery with her and then arranged for Uriah to be killed in battle (II Samuel 11:4,15). Furthermore, both Uriah and Eliam were among David’s “mighty men” (II Samuel 23:8,34,39), and thus close friends of David. David had foolishly and presumptuously committed adultery with Ahithophel’s granddaughter and, in effect, murdered his granddaughter’s brave and honorable husband. This also helps explain Ahithophel’s counsel to Absalom that he should commit adultery with “his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel” (II Samuel 16:21).