Ahithophel: When Intellect Betrays Imagination

A Neville Goddard-Inspired Reflection on the Psychology Behind the Story

The Bible, as understood by Neville Goddard, is not merely a historical account but a psychological drama—an allegory of the inner workings of human consciousness. Every character symbolises a part of you. With that lens in mind, the story of Ahithophel, counsellor to King David, becomes a striking parable about intellect, ego, and imagination.

The Intellect in Service of the Divine

Ahithophel begins as a trusted adviser to David. His counsel is described as though it came from God Himself:

“And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God.”
— 2 Samuel 16:23

In the Nevillean view, David represents the awakened imagination—the Christ within us all. Ahithophel, then, symbolises the rational mind, wise and capable, as long as it serves the inner creative power.

The Subtle Betrayal

The betrayal doesn’t happen overnight. As Absalom, David’s son, stages a rebellion, we see a shift. Absalom represents the egoic self, the outer man who wants to rule over life from the surface. Ahithophel, the intellect, aligns with him.

“And Absalom came into Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him.”
— 2 Samuel 16:15

This mirrors the moment when the intellect—once faithful to spiritual vision—begins to favour appearances and surface-level logic. It joins forces with the ego, trusting the external more than the internal.

Ego’s Desire for Spectacle

Ahithophel advises Absalom to make a public display of dominance by sleeping with David’s concubines:

“Go in unto thy father’s concubines… and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father.”
— 2 Samuel 16:21

While shocking at face value, this act symbolises the ego’s craving for proof. It desecrates the sacred space of imagination to assert control. The intellect becomes complicit, using logic to justify what the ego wants.

The Higher Voice Intervenes

Though Ahithophel’s counsel is sound, another adviser—Hushai—secretly loyal to David, offers Absalom different advice. Hushai represents intuition, the quiet voice of inner knowing. Absalom listens to him instead.

“The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time.”
— 2 Samuel 17:7

“For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel…”
— 2 Samuel 17:14

This divine reversal is a turning point. Neville would say that the law of being—the inner pattern of life—protects imagination. The outer man (ego) cannot destroy the inner man permanently. Imagination, even in exile, is the true ruler.

The Collapse of Cold Logic

When Ahithophel realises that his advice has been disregarded, he returns home, sets his affairs in order, and hangs himself.

“And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed… he put his household in order, and hanged himself.”
— 2 Samuel 17:23

This is the fate of the intellect cut off from spiritual insight. It becomes hopeless. Logic without faith is suicidal. The reasoning mind, left to itself, cannot imagine new realities—it can only calculate based on the past.

The Return of the King

Eventually, David is restored to the throne:

“Then the king returned, and came to Jordan.”
— 2 Samuel 19:15

Imagination always reclaims its rightful place. When ego and intellect exhaust themselves, it is the inner vision—the belief in unseen realities—that brings restoration.

Final Reflection

The story of Ahithophel is a psychological warning: Do not allow your intellect to betray your imagination. Reason is a fine servant, but a poor master. When it begins to serve the ego, it disconnects from the source of true power.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
— Proverbs 3:5

“To be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
— Romans 8:6

In the end, the imagination must rule. It is the only creative force in you. Let reason serve it—not the other way around.