In his book ‘The Rebellion of Absalom’, Keith Bodner picks up on Augustine’s reflections on the will. In 2 Samuel 17 we read about Absalom’s decision to follow the advice of Hushai the Arkite. But, as Bodner observes:
“Was it not by Absalom’s own will that he chose to follow advice that proved detrimental to him, though he only did so because the Lord had heard his father’s prayer to this effect?” (Bodner, p 108).
It is a question which the narrative certainly draws us to consider after the prayer of David on the Mount of Olives (2 Samuel 15:31). The prayer of the King of Israel draws us to ponder the meaning of ‘Thy will be done’.
[Bodner is citing Augustine’s question here from On Grace and Free Will, 20.41…and the citation comes from a book edited by JR Franke, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel, p 373.]