2 Samuel 17:2

2 I will attack him while he is weak and weary, throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will scatter. I will strike down only the king

2 Samuel 17:2 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 17:2

And I will come upon him while he [is] weary
With travelling, and with grief, and when endeavouring to get some rest by sleep, and so surprise him unawares, when not on his guard, and in no posture of defence:

and weak handed;
while the number of men with him is small, and before the people from different parts can come to his assistance:

and will make him afraid;
strike terror into him and his then, by surprising them suddenly in the night with such a number of men:

and all the people that [are] with him shall flee;
one one way, and another another, for their own security, and leave David alone:

and I will smite the king only;
dispatch him, and let the people flee without pursuing them.

2 Samuel 17:2 In-Context

1 Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me choose 12,000 men, and I will set out in pursuit of David tonight.

2 I will attack him while he is weak and weary, throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will scatter. I will strike down only the king

3 and bring all the people back to you. When everyone returns [except] the man you're seeking, all the people will be at peace."

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

5 Then Absalom said, "Summon Hushai the Archite also. Let's hear what he has to say as well."