Then Absalom said, "Summon Hushai the Archite as well, and let us hear what he too has to say." Then Absalom saidAbsalom, the son of King David, is a central figure in this narrative. His name in Hebrew, "אַבְשָׁלוֹם" (Avshalom), means "father of peace," which is ironic given his rebellion against his father. This phrase sets the stage for Absalom's decision-making process, highlighting his role as a leader who seeks counsel. Historically, Absalom's rebellion is a pivotal moment in Israel's monarchy, reflecting the complexities of familial and political dynamics. Summon Hushai the Archite
Hushai, known as "the Archite," is a loyal friend of David. The term "Archite" likely refers to his origin from a place or clan named Archi, possibly near Bethel. Hushai's role is crucial as he acts as a double agent, providing counsel to Absalom while remaining faithful to David. This highlights the theme of loyalty and divine providence, as God uses Hushai to thwart the counsel of Ahithophel, Absalom's advisor. as well
The inclusion of "as well" indicates that Absalom is seeking multiple perspectives. This reflects a common practice in ancient Near Eastern courts where kings would consult various advisors. It underscores the importance of wisdom and discernment in leadership, a recurring biblical theme. and let us hear
This phrase emphasizes the act of listening, a critical component of wise leadership. In the Hebrew context, listening is often associated with obedience and understanding. Absalom's willingness to hear different voices suggests an openness, though ultimately, his decisions are driven by ambition rather than true wisdom. what he too has to say
The phrase "what he too has to say" indicates that Hushai's opinion is valued alongside others. This sets the stage for the unfolding drama where Hushai's counsel will play a pivotal role. It highlights the biblical principle that God can use various means and people to accomplish His purposes, even in the midst of human rebellion and conflict. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbsalomThe son of King David, who rebelled against his father and sought to take over the kingdom of Israel. 2. Hushai the ArchiteA loyal friend and advisor to King David, who infiltrated Absalom's court to act as a spy and counter the counsel of Ahithophel. 3. AhithophelA highly esteemed counselor whose advice was considered almost as if one had consulted the word of God. He initially sided with Absalom during the rebellion. 4. DavidThe reigning king of Israel, father of Absalom, and a man after God's own heart, who was in exile during Absalom's rebellion. 5. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where Absalom set up his temporary court during his rebellion against David. Teaching Points The Importance of Wise CounselAbsalom's decision to seek advice from multiple counselors highlights the need for discernment and wisdom in leadership. Believers should seek godly counsel in their own lives. Loyalty and DeceptionHushai's role as a double agent underscores the complexity of loyalty and the use of deception for a greater good. Christians must navigate these situations with integrity and prayerful consideration. God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsDespite Absalom's rebellion and the counsel of Ahithophel, God's plan for David's kingship prevailed. This teaches us to trust in God's ultimate control over our circumstances. The Consequences of RebellionAbsalom's actions serve as a warning about the dangers of pride and rebellion against God-ordained authority. Believers are called to submit to God's will and authority in their lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Absalom's decision to consult multiple advisors reflect the biblical principle of seeking wise counsel, and how can we apply this in our own decision-making processes? 2. In what ways does Hushai's loyalty to David demonstrate the importance of faithfulness in our relationships, and how can we cultivate such loyalty in our own lives? 3. How does the account of Absalom's rebellion illustrate the consequences of pride and rebellion, and what steps can we take to guard against these attitudes in our hearts? 4. How can we discern when deception might be justified for a greater good, as seen in Hushai's actions, and what biblical principles should guide us in such situations? 5. How does the outcome of Absalom's rebellion reinforce the concept of God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding bring comfort and assurance in our own lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 15:34-35This passage provides background on the relationship between David and his advisors, highlighting the importance of wise counsel. Proverbs 11:14This verse emphasizes the value of having multiple counselors, which is relevant to Absalom's decision to seek advice from both Ahithophel and Hushai. Psalm 55:12-14David laments betrayal by a close friend, which can be connected to Ahithophel's betrayal and Hushai's loyalty. James 1:5Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, paralleling the need for divine guidance in decision-making. People Abiathar, Abigail, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Ahithophel, Amasa, Ammiel, Ammonites, Arkite, Barzillai, Dan, David, Hushai, Ithra, Jesse, Jether, Joab, Jonathan, Machir, Nahash, Shobi, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces Bahurim, Beersheba, Dan, En-rogel, Gilead, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Lo-debar, Mahanaim, Rabbah, RogelimTopics Absalom, Ab'salom, Archite, Arkite, Ear, Hushai, Likewise, Mouth, Says, SummonDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 17:1-16 5779 advice Library "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39
And no wonder, for David could appreciate a real man when he saw him, and so does David's Lord. I.--LOYALTY IS PRECIOUS TO THE KING OF KINGS. In the days when the son of Jesse had but few friends, it was a precious thing to be treated in the style Barzillai and his neighbours entertained him (see 2 Sam. xvii. 27-29). They were rich farmers, and had land which brought forth with abundance, so were able to act with princely hospitality to the fugitive monarch. But plenty may live with avarice, and …
Thomas Champness—Broken BreadThe Nations of the South-East
Israel was cut in two by the Jordan. The districts east of the Jordan were those that had first been conquered; it was from thence that the followers of Joshua had gone forth to possess themselves of Canaan. But this division of the territory was a source of weakness. The interests of the tribes on the two sides of the river were never quite the same; at times indeed they were violently antagonistic. When the disruption of the monarchy came after the death of Solomon, Judah was the stronger for the …
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Continued.
In addition to the psalms already considered, which are devoted to the devout contemplation of nature, and stand in close connection with David's early days, there still remains one universally admitted to be his. The twenty-ninth psalm, like both the preceding, has to do with the glory of God as revealed in the heavens, and with earth only as the recipient of skyey influences; but while these breathed the profoundest tranquillity, as they watched the silent splendour of the sun, and the peace of …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David David and Jonathan's Son
'And David said, is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? 2. And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. 3. And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. 4. And the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Mr. John Bunyan's Dying Sayings.
OF SIN. Sin is the great block and bar to our happiness, the procurer of all miseries to man, both here and hereafter: take away sin and nothing can hurt us: for death, temporal, spiritual, and eternal, is the wages of it. Sin, and man for sin, is the object of the wrath of God. How dreadful, therefore, must his case be who continues in sin! For who can bear or grapple with the wrath of God? No sin against God can be little, because it is against the great God of heaven and earth; but if the sinner …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Letter xxxvi (Circa A. D. 1131) to the Same Hildebert, who had not yet Acknowledged the Lord Innocent as Pope.
To the Same Hildebert, Who Had Not Yet Acknowledged the Lord Innocent as Pope. He exhorts him to recognise Innocent, now an exile in France, owing to the schism of Peter Leonis, as the rightful Pontiff. To the great prelate, most exalted in renown, Hildebert, by the grace of God Archbishop of Tours, Bernard, called Abbot of Clairvaux, sends greeting, and prays that he may walk in the Spirit, and spiritually discern all things. 1. To address you in the words of the prophet, Consolation is hid from …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C.
TIGLATH-PILESER III. AND THE ORGANISATION OF THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE FROM 745 to 722 B.C. FAILURE OF URARTU AND RE-CONQUEST Of SYRIA--EGYPT AGAIN UNITED UNDER ETHIOPIAN AUSPICES--PIONKHI--THE DOWNFALL OF DAMASCUS, OF BABYLON, AND OF ISRAEL. Assyria and its neighbours at the accession of Tiglath-pileser III.: progress of the Aramaeans in the basin of the Middle Tigris--Urartu and its expansion into the north of Syria--Damascus and Israel--Vengeance of Israel on Damascus--Jeroboam II.--Civilisation …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 17:5 NIV2 Samuel 17:5 NLT2 Samuel 17:5 ESV2 Samuel 17:5 NASB2 Samuel 17:5 KJV
2 Samuel 17:5 Commentaries
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