2 Samuel 16:21

And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father’s concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.

Cross-reference

2 Samuel 12:11–12 Prophetic fulfillment

2 Samuel 12:11-12 prophesied David's wives would be taken by a neighbor — Ahithophel's advice to Absalom fulfills this judgment.

2 Samuel 15:16 Historical context

In 2 Samuel 15:16, David leaves these ten concubines to keep the house — the same women Absalom is told to take here.

2 Samuel 20:3 Historical context

In 2 Samuel 20:3, David later locks up these concubines as a consequence of Absalom's act here, showing the lasting shame.

In 2 Samuel 3:7, Abner goes into Saul's concubine as a power claim, exactly paralleling Ahithophel's advice to Absalom.

In Genesis 35:22, Reuben sleeps with his father's concubine — a direct parallel to Absalom's act here, both dishonoring their father.

In Genesis 49:4, Jacob condemns Reuben for going up to his father's bed—the same act Ahithophel advises Absalom to commit.

Leviticus 18:8 prohibits uncovering a father's nakedness — the law that Absalom's act here violates.

Leviticus 20:11 prescribes death for lying with a father's wife — the penalty for the sin Absalom commits here.

In 1 Kings 2:22, Solomon says requesting Abishag is like asking for the kingdom — the same logic behind Absalom taking concubines here.

In 1 Corinthians 5:1, Paul condemns a man having his father's wife — the same sin as Absalom's here, showing its continued severity.

Proverbs 6:29 Related theme

Proverbs 6:29 warns that sleeping with another's wife brings punishment—Absalom's act with his father's concubines fits this.

Ezekiel 22:10 condemns uncovering a father's nakedness—exactly the sin Ahithophel advised Absalom to commit.

Micah 7:6 Related theme

Micah 7:6 describes a son treating his father with contempt—Absalom's rebellion, aided by Ahithophel, is a direct example.