2 Samuel 17 The Defection of Absalom

1 Ahithophel said to Absalom, “I would choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David.

2 I would attack him while he is weary and weak. I would strike him with terror, and then all the people with him will flee. I would strike down only the king

3 and bring all the people back to you. The death of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be unharmed.”

4 This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.

5 But Absalom said, “Summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he has to say.”

6 When Hushai came to him, Absalom said, “Ahithophel has given this advice. Should we do what he says? If not, give us your opinion.”

7 Hushai replied to Absalom, “The advice Ahithophel has given is not good this time.

8 You know your father and his men; they are fighters, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Besides, your father is an experienced fighter; he will not spend the night with the troops.

9 Even now, he is hidden in a cave or some other place. If he should attack your troops first, whoever hears about it will say, ‘There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom.’

10 Then even the bravest soldier, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will melt with fear, for all Israel knows that your father is a fighter and that those with him are brave.

11 “So I advise you: Let all Israel, from Dan to Beersheba—as numerous as the sand on the seashore—be gathered to you, with you yourself leading them into battle.

12 Then we will attack him wherever he may be found, and we will fall on him as dew settles on the ground. Neither he nor any of his men will be left alive.

13 If he withdraws into a city, then all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not even a piece of it can be found.”

14 Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.

15 Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, “Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel to do such and such, but I have advised them to do so and so.

16 Now send a message immediately and tell David, ‘Do not spend the night at the fords in the desert; cross over without fail, or the king and all the people with him will be swallowed up.’”

17 Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En Rogel. A servant girl was to go and inform them, and they were to go and tell King David, for they could not risk being seen entering the city.

18 But a young man saw them and told Absalom. So the two of them left quickly and went to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it.

19 His wife took a covering and spread it out over the opening of the well and scattered grain over it. No one knew anything about it.

20 When Absalom’s men came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?”
The woman answered them, “They crossed over the brook.” The men searched but found no one, so they returned to Jerusalem.

21 After the men had gone, the two climbed out of the well and went to inform King David. They said to him, “Set out and cross the river at once; Ahithophel has advised such and such against you.”

22 So David and all the people with him set out and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, no one was left who had not crossed the Jordan.

23 When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his house in order and then hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.

24 David went to Mahanaim, and Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel.

25 Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Jether, an Israelite who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah the mother of Joab.

26 The Israelites and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead.

27 When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Makir son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim

28 brought bedding and bowls and articles of pottery. They also brought wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans and lentils,

29 honey and curds, sheep, and cheese from cows’ milk for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become hungry and tired and thirsty in the desert.”

Previous Chapter 2 Samuel 16 Next Chapter 2 Samuel 18

Analysis of 2 Samuel Chapter 17

In the context of 2 Samuel, Chapter 17 is a pivotal point in the narrative surrounding Absalom’s rebellion against his father, King David. This chapter is replete with political intrigue, strategic counsel, and a glimpse into the dynamics between loyalty and betrayal. Analyzing this chapter requires a deep dive into the characters’ motivations, the cultural and historical context, and the overarching themes present in this dramatic episode.

The Counsel of Ahithophel

Beginning in verses 1-4, we witness Ahithophel, one of David’s former advisors who has now defected to Absalom, offering a strategic plan. He advocates for a swift and decisive action against King David:

“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.’”

This counsel demonstrates Ahithophel’s acumen as a strategist. His plan is precise and ruthless, aiming to strike David when he is at his most vulnerable. Ahithophel’s proposal to kill only David and spare his followers is calculated to minimize unnecessary bloodshed, thus stabilizing Absalom’s claim to the throne through a swift resolution. This echoes a common theme in biblical narratives: the tension between the cunning of human plans and divine providence.

Hushai’s Counter-Counsel

In verses 5-14, the story takes a dramatic turn with the introduction of Hushai the Arkite, another of David’s loyal advisors who has infiltrated Absalom’s court to subvert his plans:

“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…’”

Hushai deploys a counter-strategy that leverages psychological warfare. He portrays David and his men as fierce warriors who, despite their current condition, will fight with the ferocity of a bear robbed of its cubs. His counsel instills doubt about a quick and easy victory. Hushai’s plan, which involves gathering all of Israel to battle, seems more formidable and cautious:

“Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.”

Here, Hushai appeals to Absalom’s vanity, suggesting that he leads the army personally, thereby delaying immediate action against David. This suggestion is key in averting the immediate crisis for David while highlighting the interplay of persuasion, manipulation, and the delicate art of diplomacy during this period.

The Sovereignty of God

The narrative then takes a profound turn in verse 14, as we see the divine hand guiding the outcome:

“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.”

This verse underscores the sovereignty of God over human affairs. The seemingly superior wisdom of Ahithophel is set aside by divine intervention, illustrating that even the best-laid plans of man are subject to the will of God. It is a reminder that no matter the temporal power or influence, God’s purpose prevails, often subverting human strategies to serve His greater plan.

The Actions of the Spies and Loyalists

Verses 15-22 describe the secretive and dangerous actions of Hushai’s messengers, Jonathan and Ahimaaz, who warn David of the incoming threat:

“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.’”

This passage highlights the critical roles played by lesser-known figures in pivotal moments. Jonathan and Ahimaaz risk their lives to deliver the message. Their actions emphasize the themes of loyalty and courage under duress. The narrative tension rises as they face potential capture, dramatizing the precariousness of David’s position and the high stakes involved.

Their successful relay of information allows David to cross the Jordan, reinforcing the notion that divine providence often works through the brave and selfless actions of individuals. It also reflects the communal effort needed in moments of crisis, involving various agents working together for a common cause.

The Downfall of Ahithophel

In a melancholic yet profound subplot, verses 23 narrate the ultimate fate of Ahithophel:

“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.”

Ahithophel’s suicide is stark and tragic, offering a poignant commentary on human pride and the despair that ensues from failure. His reaction speaks to the depth of his insight; he realizes that without his counsel being heeded, Absalom’s campaign is doomed, and in a society where political failure meant disgrace or death, he chooses to end his own life. This moment serves as a profound reflection on the weight of reputation, the fragility of human plans, and the ultimate futility of measures taken without divine favor.

Mobilization and Strategy

Verses 24-26 present the movement and positioning of forces, with Absalom crossing the Jordan and setting up camp in Gilead. Absalom’s decision to install Amasa over the army instead of Joab aligns with his need to consolidate power by removing those loyal to David. This strategic repositioning further sets the stage for the impending confrontation between father and son, highlighting the tactical movements and preparations that underlie ancient warfare.

Divine Provision and Support

Interestingly, the chapter concludes with verses 27-29, focusing on the aid provided to David by loyal supporters such as Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai:

“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 basins, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentils, 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 passage may seem mundane but carries profound theological and social implications. The provision of sustenance and supplies amid David’s trials illustrates divine support manifesting through human kindness and resourcefulness. These gestures of hospitality not only meet immediate physical needs but also bolster the morale of David’s followers, reinforcing communal bonds and divine encouragement.

Conclusion

2 Samuel Chapter 17 is a masterclass in biblical storytelling, weaving together themes of wisdom, strategy, loyalty, divine providence, human agency, and the inevitable submission of human aspirations to divine will. The counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai, the dangerous missions of Jonathan and Ahimaaz, the suicide of Ahithophel, and the providers’ generous support are all intricately connected to reveal a larger narrative tapestry.

This chapter is a testament to the intricate interplay between human action and divine sovereignty, illustrating that while humans plot and plan, the ultimate outcome rests in the hands of God. It serves as both a historical account and a theological reflection, offering timeless insights into leadership, loyalty, and the unwavering faith in divine providence. The rich, layered narrative invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the unseen forces at play, encouraging a deeper trust in the providential workings of God.

Understanding the Key Messages in 2 Samuel 17: Insights and Explanation

This chapter tells the story of Absalom's rebellion against David and how he gathers a following to overthrow his father. It also describes how David escapes from Jerusalem and the advice he receives from his trusted men.

Notes

2 Samuel 17 shows the consequences of David's previous sins and the fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy (2 Samuel 12:11-12). It also highlights the loyalty of David's trusted advisors.