2 Samuel 17:1-8

1 Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me choose 12,000 men and leave tonight to go after David.

2 I'll attack him while he's tired and weak, and I'll cause him to panic. All the people with him will flee, but I'll kill only him.

3 I'll return all the people to you as a bride is returned to her husband. Since you will be seeking the life of only one man, all the people will have peace."

4 Absalom and all the leaders of Israel approved this plan.

5 Absalom said, "Please call Hushai, who is descended from Archi's family, and let us hear what he, too, has to say."

6 When Hushai arrived, Absalom said to him, "Ahithophel has told us his plan. Should we do what he says? If not, tell us."

7 "This time Ahithophel's advice is no good," Hushai said to Absalom.

8 "You know your father and his men. They are warriors as fierce as a wild bear whose cubs have been stolen. Your father is an experienced soldier. He will not camp with the troops tonight.

2 Samuel 17:1-8 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO SECOND SAMUEL 17

This chapter relates the advice Ahithophel gave to march out speedily with a number of men in pursuit of David, which at first seemed agreeable, 2Sa 17:1-4; but Hushai's opinion being asked, and he giving counsel to raise a larger army, which required time, and was taken to, hereby the counsel of Ahithophel was defeated, 2Sa 17:5-14; upon which he hanged himself, 2Sa 17:23; these different counsels being communicated by Hushai to the priests, they found means to transmit them to David, with an instruction to him to pass over Jordan immediately; which he did, and pitched in Gilead, and whither he was followed by Absalom, 2Sa 17:15-26; and where he met with a supply of provisions for his army from some eminent persons in and near that place, 2Sa 17:27-29.