READ: 2 Samuel 17:1-14
“I will come upon him while he is weary and exhausted and terrify him...” – 2 Samuel 17:2, NASB
Acrucial aspect of Ahithophel’s plan was to attack David at the right time.
King David was a strong fighter but was not invincible neither was he immortal. That means, given the right conditions, he could be defeated. Ahithophel knew exactly when David could be defeated and he said so. “Ahithophel said to Absalom, Please let me choose 12,000 men that I may arise and pursue David tonight” (2 Samuel 17:1, NASB).
The key word here is “tonight”. It was important that Absalom pursue David at that particular time. Ahithophel knew that conditions were favourable only for that night.
What conditions made that night favourable for Absalom? David was weary and exhausted and Ahithophel wanted the attack to come on during David’s weariest moment: “I will come upon him while he is weary and exhausted and terrify him, so that all the people who are with him will flee. Then I will strike down the king alone,” (2 Samuel 17:2). Hushai also knew that David was weary and exhausted and he wanted to buy some time for David. That is why he asked for him to wait till thousands and thousands of troops could gather. Can you imagine how long it would take to assemble all these troops?
Dear friend, there is a time to every purpose. If you miss the timing, you are not likely to succeed. Whilst you are on this earth, everything you do will depend on doing it at the right time.