Peter Ellinger Dialogues

  PREFACE TO DIALOGUES   The dialogues in this section explore questions and issues prompted by particular political events, by authors or by biblical books. They are offered as reflective engagements rather than professional or academic critiques. I have written them with educated readers in mind who have an interest in the subjects under discussion. They are intended to invite thought rather than to settle questions.

  A H I T O P H E L   I. BACKGROUND   1. Planning the Ahithophel dialogue Having taken my breakfast, I looked at the thick volume in front of me. The person whose character and achievements I wanted to examine is mentioned scarcely in the 24 books of the Masoretic Text. Ahithophel’s role in Absalom’s rebellion is covered in 2 Samuel   (chaps. 15-17). The chronicler mentions him only as King David’s counsellor [1 Chron. 27:33-34]. For years I kept wondering about this laconic treatment: Ahithophel is a pivotal figure. His political role in David’s Kingdom cannot be overstated. Why is he marginalised? I reflected on the problem over a cup of coffee. As I looked up, I saw that Theophil had materialised. For just a moment he assumed the guise of Peppi, my late pal who had befriended me ever since I had stumbled into his antiques shop in London. As always, I looked at him with admiration. Humanity knew him as Satan or Asmodeus – the epitome of evil and darkne...