II Samuel 17
Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:
And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:
And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.
And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.
Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.
And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou.
And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time.
For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.
Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.
And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.
Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beer–sheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.
So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of him and of all the men that are with him there shall not be left so much as one.
Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.
And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the Lord had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring evil upon Absalom.
Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.
Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him.
Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by En–rogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.
Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man’s house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.
And the woman took and spread a covering over the well’s mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known.
And when Absalom’s servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.
And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told king David, and said unto David, Arise, and pass quickly over the water: for thus hath Ahithophel counselled against you.
Then David arose, and all the people that were with him, and they passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan.
And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.
Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.
And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man’s son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab’s mother.
So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead.
And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lo–debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,
Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,
And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.
This chapter of II Samuel unfolds a critical turning point in Absalom's rebellion against his father, David. It is a narrative filled with intrigue, strategic maneuvering, divine intervention, and ultimately, tragic consequences. The chapter highlights the importance of wise counsel, the dangers of pride, and God's sovereign hand in the affairs of humanity. Let's delve into the details:
Two Plans, Two Destinies (II Samuel 17:1-14)
With David and his loyal followers on the run, Absalom faced the crucial question of how to deal with them. Ahithophel, known for his astute counsel, presented a plan that seemed foolproof. He requested 12,000 men to pursue David that very night, while he was weary and demoralized. Ahithophel reasoned that a swift, decisive strike would throw David and his company into panic, scattering them, allowing Ahithophel to kill David and bring the people back to Absalom II Samuel 17:2-3. Absalom and the elders of Israel embraced this plan II Samuel 17:4, a decision that placed David in grave danger.
However, in God's providence, Absalom sought Hushai's counsel as well II Samuel 17:5-6. Hushai, David's loyal friend, recognized the wisdom in Ahithophel's advice, but also its peril. He understood that to counter it, he had to instill doubt in Absalom's mind II Samuel 17:7. Hushai masterfully argued against an immediate attack, appealing to Absalom's ego and playing on the fear of David's renowned military prowess II Samuel 17:7-12.
Hushai painted a vivid picture of David and his men as seasoned warriors, hiding in caves, ready to ambush Absalom's forces II Samuel 17:8-9. He warned that even the bravest of Absalom's men would be terrified by David's reputation II Samuel 17:10. Hushai then proposed an alternative strategy: to gather a massive army, overwhelming David with sheer numbers and ensuring a decisive victory. Crucially, Hushai suggested that Absalom himself lead the troops into battle, appealing to his vanity II Samuel 17:11.
Absalom, swayed by Hushai's words, fell for the deception II Samuel 17:11-14. Little did he know that "the LORD had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom" II Samuel 17:14. This verse echoes the truth found in Proverbs 21:1, "A king’s heart is like channeled water in the LORD’s hand: He directs it wherever he chooses." God's hand was at work, subtly guiding events to fulfill His purposes.
A Risky Rescue Mission (II Samuel 17:15-22)
Despite undermining Ahithophel's counsel, Hushai understood that Absalom still posed a significant threat. He acted swiftly to warn David, utilizing a network of loyal individuals in Jerusalem II Samuel 17:15. Hushai instructed the priests, Zadok and Abiathar, to send word to David through their sons, Jonathan and Ahimaaz, who were stationed at En-rogel, south of Jerusalem. The message was urgent: David must not spend the night at the fords of the Jordan but cross over immediately to avoid being captured by Absalom's forces II Samuel 17:16.
This was a dangerous operation. Jonathan and Ahimaaz were spotted, and their mission was compromised II Samuel 17:18. However, a faithful woman hid them, protecting them from Absalom's men II Samuel 17:18-20. Through her courage and God's protection, they were able to deliver the vital message to David. Receiving the warning, David and his company crossed the Jordan River to safety II Samuel 17:21-22.
Ahithophel's Tragic End (II Samuel 17:23)
Ahithophel, realizing that his counsel had been rejected and replaced by Hushai's, was devastated. He understood the implications of Absalom's decision: David would eventually regain the throne, and he, Ahithophel, would be held accountable for his role in the rebellion. Rather than face the inevitable consequences, Ahithophel returned to his home, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself II Samuel 17:23.
Ahithophel's suicide was not merely an overreaction to having his advice dismissed. He possessed the wisdom to foresee the disastrous outcome of Absalom's actions. His death serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God's anointed and the despair that can result from misplaced loyalty and pride.
David Finds Refuge (II Samuel 17:24-29)
As David reached Mahanaim, on the eastern side of the Jordan River, Absalom crossed the river with his army, now under the command of Amasa, who was a relative of both David and Joab II Samuel 17:24-25. Despite the imminent threat, David found refuge and support in Mahanaim. Loyal individuals, including Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai, provided David and his weary men with food, bedding, and essential supplies II Samuel 17:27-29. Their generosity and loyalty demonstrated the enduring support David had among the people, even in the midst of rebellion. These acts of kindness and provision highlight the importance of community and support during times of adversity.
II Samuel 17 serves as a powerful reminder of the intricate ways God works in human affairs. It illustrates the importance of seeking wise counsel and the dangers of pride and rebellion. The chapter also underscores God's sovereignty, demonstrating how He can use even the flawed choices of individuals to accomplish His ultimate purposes. The courage and loyalty of those who supported David in his time of need offer a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of faith and community.
Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:
And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:
And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.
And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.
Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.
And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou.
And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time.
For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.
Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.
And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.
Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beer–sheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.
So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of him and of all the men that are with him there shall not be left so much as one.
Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.
And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the Lord had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring evil upon Absalom.
Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.
Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him.
Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by En–rogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.
Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man’s house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.
And the woman took and spread a covering over the well’s mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known.
And when Absalom’s servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.
And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told king David, and said unto David, Arise, and pass quickly over the water: for thus hath Ahithophel counselled against you.
Then David arose, and all the people that were with him, and they passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan.
And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.
Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.
And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man’s son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab’s mother.
So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead.
And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lo–debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,
Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,
And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.
This chapter of II Samuel unfolds a critical turning point in Absalom's rebellion against his father, David. It is a narrative filled with intrigue, strategic maneuvering, divine intervention, and ultimately, tragic consequences. The chapter highlights the importance of wise counsel, the dangers of pride, and God's sovereign hand in the affairs of humanity. Let's delve into the details:
Two Plans, Two Destinies (II Samuel 17:1-14)
With David and his loyal followers on the run, Absalom faced the crucial question of how to deal with them. Ahithophel, known for his astute counsel, presented a plan that seemed foolproof. He requested 12,000 men to pursue David that very night, while he was weary and demoralized. Ahithophel reasoned that a swift, decisive strike would throw David and his company into panic, scattering them, allowing Ahithophel to kill David and bring the people back to Absalom II Samuel 17:2-3. Absalom and the elders of Israel embraced this plan II Samuel 17:4, a decision that placed David in grave danger.
However, in God's providence, Absalom sought Hushai's counsel as well II Samuel 17:5-6. Hushai, David's loyal friend, recognized the wisdom in Ahithophel's advice, but also its peril. He understood that to counter it, he had to instill doubt in Absalom's mind II Samuel 17:7. Hushai masterfully argued against an immediate attack, appealing to Absalom's ego and playing on the fear of David's renowned military prowess II Samuel 17:7-12.
Hushai painted a vivid picture of David and his men as seasoned warriors, hiding in caves, ready to ambush Absalom's forces II Samuel 17:8-9. He warned that even the bravest of Absalom's men would be terrified by David's reputation II Samuel 17:10. Hushai then proposed an alternative strategy: to gather a massive army, overwhelming David with sheer numbers and ensuring a decisive victory. Crucially, Hushai suggested that Absalom himself lead the troops into battle, appealing to his vanity II Samuel 17:11.
Absalom, swayed by Hushai's words, fell for the deception II Samuel 17:11-14. Little did he know that "the LORD had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom" II Samuel 17:14. This verse echoes the truth found in Proverbs 21:1, "A king’s heart is like channeled water in the LORD’s hand: He directs it wherever he chooses." God's hand was at work, subtly guiding events to fulfill His purposes.
A Risky Rescue Mission (II Samuel 17:15-22)
Despite undermining Ahithophel's counsel, Hushai understood that Absalom still posed a significant threat. He acted swiftly to warn David, utilizing a network of loyal individuals in Jerusalem II Samuel 17:15. Hushai instructed the priests, Zadok and Abiathar, to send word to David through their sons, Jonathan and Ahimaaz, who were stationed at En-rogel, south of Jerusalem. The message was urgent: David must not spend the night at the fords of the Jordan but cross over immediately to avoid being captured by Absalom's forces II Samuel 17:16.
This was a dangerous operation. Jonathan and Ahimaaz were spotted, and their mission was compromised II Samuel 17:18. However, a faithful woman hid them, protecting them from Absalom's men II Samuel 17:18-20. Through her courage and God's protection, they were able to deliver the vital message to David. Receiving the warning, David and his company crossed the Jordan River to safety II Samuel 17:21-22.
Ahithophel's Tragic End (II Samuel 17:23)
Ahithophel, realizing that his counsel had been rejected and replaced by Hushai's, was devastated. He understood the implications of Absalom's decision: David would eventually regain the throne, and he, Ahithophel, would be held accountable for his role in the rebellion. Rather than face the inevitable consequences, Ahithophel returned to his home, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself II Samuel 17:23.
Ahithophel's suicide was not merely an overreaction to having his advice dismissed. He possessed the wisdom to foresee the disastrous outcome of Absalom's actions. His death serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God's anointed and the despair that can result from misplaced loyalty and pride.
David Finds Refuge (II Samuel 17:24-29)
As David reached Mahanaim, on the eastern side of the Jordan River, Absalom crossed the river with his army, now under the command of Amasa, who was a relative of both David and Joab II Samuel 17:24-25. Despite the imminent threat, David found refuge and support in Mahanaim. Loyal individuals, including Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai, provided David and his weary men with food, bedding, and essential supplies II Samuel 17:27-29. Their generosity and loyalty demonstrated the enduring support David had among the people, even in the midst of rebellion. These acts of kindness and provision highlight the importance of community and support during times of adversity.
II Samuel 17 serves as a powerful reminder of the intricate ways God works in human affairs. It illustrates the importance of seeking wise counsel and the dangers of pride and rebellion. The chapter also underscores God's sovereignty, demonstrating how He can use even the flawed choices of individuals to accomplish His ultimate purposes. The courage and loyalty of those who supported David in his time of need offer a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of faith and community.