# Overview In 2 Samuel Chapter 17, we witness the unfolding of #Absalom's rebellion against his father, #KingDavid. #Ahithophel, a counselor to Absalom, advises him to pursue David immediately with twelve thousand men, aiming to strike while David is weary and disheartened. This counsel is intended to ensure a swift victory by specifically targeting King David alone. However, #Hushai the #Archite, a loyal friend to David, intervenes with a counter-counsel. He advises Absalom to gather all of #Israel from #Dan to #Beersheba, suggesting that they should go into battle together, thus buying time for David. This strategy is designed to allow David to regroup and strengthen his forces. Hushai’s advice is accepted, as God had ordained to thwart Ahithophel's counsel to bring ruin upon Absalom, showcasing divine intervention in the affairs of men. The chapter continues with Hushai discreetly sending word to #David about the impending threat, urging him to cross the #Jordan without delay. Meanwhile, Ahithophel, realizing that his counsel was disregarded and foreseeing the failure of Absalom's campaign, tragically hangs himself. This act underscores the futility of opposing God's anointed king and the fulfillment of God's sovereign will. David's forces successfully cross the Jordan, and he finds refuge in #Mahanaim, where he is supported by loyalists who provide for him and his men. The chapter highlights themes of loyalty, divine providence, and the intricate workings of God's plans through human actions, setting the stage for the conflict's resolution in favor of David's kingship. ## Theological Insights 2 Samuel 17 provides a profound insight into the themes of divine sovereignty, human wisdom, and the fulfillment of God's purposes despite human plans. The chapter recounts the counsel of #Ahithophel and #Hushai regarding the rebellion of #Absalom against his father, #David. Ahithophel's counsel, known for its wisdom, is ironically not followed, demonstrating that human wisdom is ultimately subject to the will of God. This aligns with the principle found in [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 19|Proverbs 19:21]], "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." In this narrative, God's sovereignty is evident as He orchestrates events to protect David, His anointed king, fulfilling His covenant promise. The intervention of Hushai, who gives counter-counsel to Absalom, is a critical turning point. Though Ahithophel's advice is sound and likely to succeed, it is Hushai's plan that is embraced, showcasing God's providential hand in ensuring David's survival. This highlights the theme of divine intervention, where God uses human agents to accomplish His purposes, echoing the faithfulness of God to His promises as seen throughout the #OldTestament. Moreover, this chapter illustrates that God's plans are often realized through unexpected means and people. Hushai, a loyal friend to David, becomes an instrument in God's hands to thwart the rebellion. This is reminiscent of other biblical narratives where God uses unexpected individuals to fulfill His will, such as #Joseph in Egypt ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 50]]), reminding believers that God’s ways are higher than human ways. In summary, 2 Samuel 17 underscores God's control over human affairs, emphasizing that His divine purpose ultimately prevails. It reassures believers of God's faithfulness to His promises and His ability to protect and guide His chosen ones, reinforcing trust in God's sovereign plan. ## Thematic Connections ### The Sovereignty of God in Human Affairs In 2 Samuel 17, the theme of #God's sovereignty is evident through the unfolding events around #Absalom's rebellion against #David. The counsel of #Ahithophel, although wise, is ultimately thwarted by #Hushai's advice, which is part of God's plan to bring about Absalom’s downfall. This aligns with the biblical theme that God's purposes prevail over human wisdom, as seen in [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 19|Proverbs 19:21]], where it is stated, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails." ### The Role of Wisdom and Counsel The chapter demonstrates the significance of counsel, as #Ahithophel and #Hushai give conflicting advice to Absalom. This mirrors the broader biblical narrative of seeking and discerning wise counsel, exemplified by [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 11|Proverbs 11:14]], which states, "For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers." This theme is further explored in the story of Solomon, who famously asked God for wisdom in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 3|1 Kings 3]]. ### Loyalty and Betrayal Loyalty and betrayal are recurring themes in 2 Samuel 17. Hushai’s loyalty to David, despite his position in Absalom's court, contrasts with Ahithophel's betrayal. This is reminiscent of other biblical stories of loyalty and betrayal, such as Judas' betrayal of Jesus in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 26|Matthew 26:14-16]], and the loyalty of #Jonathan to David in the face of his father #Saul's hostility, as seen in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 20|1 Samuel 20]]. ### Divine Justice and Retribution The outcome of the conflicting counsel reveals the theme of divine justice. Ahithophel, perceiving the failure of his advice, ultimately takes his own life, which can be seen as an instance of divine retribution. This reflects the biblical principle that God will not allow the wicked to prosper indefinitely, as seen in [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 37|Psalm 37:12-15]], which speaks of the wicked plotting against the righteous but ultimately falling by their own schemes. ### The Preservation of the Davidic Line Despite Absalom’s rebellion, the Davidic line is preserved, pointing to the theme of God's covenant faithfulness. This connects to God's promise to David in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7|2 Samuel 7:12-16]] that his throne will be established forever. This theme finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament with the coming of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], the Son of David, as highlighted in the genealogies of [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew 1]] and [[Luke/Luke Chapter 3|Luke 3]]. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Preservation of David In 2 Samuel 17, we see the unfolding of God's providential protection over #David, aligning with the prophecies concerning his enduring dynasty. The counsel of #Ahithophel, which could have led to David's downfall, is thwarted by Hushai's intervention, a reflection of God's sovereign hand in preserving His anointed king. This preservation is in fulfillment of the promise made to David in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7|2 Samuel 7]] that his throne would be established forever, which is ultimately fulfilled in [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], a descendant of David, as emphasized in the New Testament (e.g., [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew 1:1]]). ### The Role of Hushai Hushai's successful counter-counsel serves as an example of God's means to fulfill His promises. The thwarting of Ahithophel’s plans aligns with the wisdom literature like [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 19|Proverbs 19:21]], which states, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails." This narrative highlights the fulfillment of God's protective promises to David, ensuring the continuation of his line, which is essential for the coming of the #Messiah. ### The Defeat of Ahithophel's Counsel The defeat of Ahithophel’s counsel also points toward the eventual triumph of God's wisdom over human schemes, as seen in prophecies that emphasize divine sovereignty, such as those found in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 46|Isaiah 46:10]]—declaring the end from the beginning and fulfilling His purposes. This theme of divine intervention and fulfillment is echoed throughout the Old Testament and finds its culmination in the New Testament with the life and mission of Jesus, demonstrating God's ultimate control over history. ### The Messianic Line The events in 2 Samuel 17 contribute to the continuity of the #MessianicLine through David. Despite the threats against David's life and reign, God's promises stand firm. This assurance is reflected in prophetic scriptures that speak of a future ruler from David's line, such as [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 23|Jeremiah 23:5-6]], where a righteous Branch will reign as king. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus, who is recognized as the legitimate heir to David’s throne in the New Testament, affirming the enduring truth of God's covenant with David. ## Verses - **2 Samuel 17:1** - "Now Ahithophel urged Absalom, 'Let me choose 12,000 men to start out after David tonight.'" - #Ahithophel #Absalom #David - **2 Samuel 17:2** - "'I will catch up with him while he is weary and discouraged. He and his troops will panic, and everyone will run away. Then I will kill only the king.'" - #Ahithophel #David - **2 Samuel 17:3** - "'And I will bring all the people back to you as a bride returns to her husband. After all, it is only one man’s life you seek. Then you will be at peace with all the people.'" - #Ahithophel #Absalom - **2 Samuel 17:4** - "This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel." - #Absalom #Israel #Elders - **2 Samuel 17:5** - "But then Absalom said, 'Bring in Hushai the Archite. Let’s see what he thinks about this.'" - #Absalom #Hushai #Archite - **2 Samuel 17:6** - "When Hushai arrived, Absalom told him what Ahithophel had said. Then he asked, 'What is your opinion? Should we follow Ahithophel’s advice? If not, what do you suggest?'" - #Absalom #Hushai #Ahithophel - **2 Samuel 17:7** - "Well, Hushai replied to Absalom, 'This time Ahithophel has made a mistake.'" - #Hushai #Absalom #Ahithophel - **2 Samuel 17:8** - "'You know your father and his men. They are mighty warriors. Right now they are as enraged as a mother bear who has been robbed of her cubs. And remember that your father is an experienced man of war. He won’t spend the night among the troops.'" - #Hushai #David - **2 Samuel 17:9** - "'He is probably already hidden in some pit or cave. And when he comes out and attacks and a few of your men fall, there will be panic among your troops, and the word will spread that Absalom’s men are being slaughtered.'" - #Hushai #David #Absalom - **2 Samuel 17:10** - "'Then even the bravest soldiers, though they have the heart of a lion, will be paralyzed with fear. For all Israel knows what a mighty warrior your father is and how courageous his men are.'" - #Hushai #David #Israel - **2 Samuel 17:11** - "'I recommend that you mobilize the entire army of Israel, bringing them from as far away as Dan in the north and Beersheba in the south. That way you will have an army as numerous as the sand on the seashore. And I advise that you personally lead the troops.'" - #Hushai #Israel #Dan #Beersheba - **2 Samuel 17:12** - "'When we find David, we can descend on him like dew that falls on the ground. Then neither he nor any of his men will be left alive.'" - #Hushai #David - **2 Samuel 17:13** - "'And if David were to escape into some town, you will have all Israel there at your command. Then we can take ropes and drag the walls of the town into the nearest valley until every stone is torn down.'" - #Hushai #David #Israel - **2 Samuel 17:14** - "Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, 'Hushai’s advice is better than Ahithophel’s.' For the Lord had determined to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel, which really was the better plan, so that he could bring disaster on Absalom!" - #Absalom #Hushai #Ahithophel #Lord - **2 Samuel 17:15** - "Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, what Ahithophel had said to Absalom and the elders of Israel, and what he himself had advised instead." - #Hushai #Zadok #Abiathar #Ahithophel #Absalom #Israel #Priests - **2 Samuel 17:16** - "'Quick!' he told them. 'Find David and urge him not to stay at the shallows of the Jordan River tonight. He must go across at once into the wilderness beyond. Otherwise, he will die and his entire army with him.'" - #Hushai #David #JordanRiver - **2 Samuel 17:17** - "Jonathan and Ahimaaz had been staying at En-rogel so as not to be seen entering and leaving the city. Arrangements had been made for a servant girl to bring them the message they were to take to King David." - #Jonathan #Ahimaaz #En-rogel #David - **2 Samuel 17:18** - "But a boy saw them leaving En-rogel and told Absalom about it. So they quickly escaped to Bahurim, where a man hid them inside a well in his courtyard." - #Absalom #Bahurim - **2 Samuel 17:19** - "The man’s wife put a cloth over the top of the well and scattered grain on it to dry in the sun, so no one suspected they were there." - - **2 Samuel 17:20** - "When Absalom’s men arrived, they asked her, 'Have you seen Ahimaaz and Jonathan?' The woman replied, 'They were here, but they crossed over the brook.' Absalom’s men looked for them without success and returned to Jerusalem." - #Absalom #Ahimaaz #Jonathan #Jerusalem - **2 Samuel 17:21** - "Then the two men crawled out of the well and hurried on to King David. 'Quick!' they told him. 'Cross the Jordan tonight!' And they told him how Ahithophel had advised that he be captured and killed." - #Ahimaaz #Jonathan #David #Jordan - **2 Samuel 17:22** - "So David and all the people with him went across the Jordan River during the night, and they were all on the other bank before dawn." - #David #JordanRiver - **2 Samuel 17:23** - "Meanwhile, Ahithophel was publicly disgraced when Absalom rejected his advice. He saddled his donkey, went to his hometown, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself. He died there and was buried in the family tomb." - #Ahithophel - **2 Samuel 17:24** - "David soon arrived at Mahanaim. By now, Absalom had mobilized the entire army of Israel and was leading his troops across the Jordan River." - #David #Mahanaim #Absalom #Israel #JordanRiver - **2 Samuel 17:25** - "Absalom had appointed Amasa as commander of his army, replacing Joab, who had been commander under David. (Amasa was Joab’s cousin. His father was Jether, an Ishmaelite. His mother, Abigail daughter of Nahash, was the sister of Joab’s mother, Zeruiah.)" - #Absalom #Amasa #Joab #David #Ishmaelite #Abigail #Nahash #Zeruiah - **2 Samuel 17:26** - "Absalom and the Israelite army set up camp in the land of Gilead." - #Absalom #Israel #Gilead - **2 Samuel 17:27** - "When David arrived at Mahanaim, he was warmly greeted by Shobi son of Nahash, who came from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and by Makir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and by Barzillai of Gilead from Rogelim." - #David #Mahanaim #Shobi #Nahash #Rabbah #Ammonites #Makir #Ammiel #Lo-debar #Barzillai #Gilead #Rogelim - **2 Samuel 17:28** - "They brought sleeping mats, cooking pots, serving bowls, wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans, lentils," - - **2 Samuel 17:29** - "honey, butter, sheep, goats, and cheese for David and those who were with him. For they said, 'You must all be very hungry and tired and thirsty after your long march through the wilderness.'" - #David