Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, "The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel." For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 17:14? 2. How does 2 Samuel 17:14 demonstrate God's sovereignty over human plans? 3. Why did God ordain Ahithophel's advice to be rejected in 2 Samuel 17:14? 4. What does 2 Samuel 17:14 teach about trusting God's ultimate plan? 5. How can we discern God's will when facing conflicting advice today? 6. How does 2 Samuel 17:14 connect with Romans 8:28 about God's purpose? 7. Why did God choose to thwart Ahithophel's counsel in 2 Samuel 17:14? 8. How does 2 Samuel 17:14 demonstrate God's sovereignty over human plans? 9. What does 2 Samuel 17:14 reveal about divine intervention in political affairs? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 17? 11. Is there any inconsistency between 2 Samuel 17’s account of David’s escape and the details in 1 Chronicles, or do the narratives fully align when examined closely? 12. In 2 Samuel 17:1–4, is there any archaeological evidence or external record supporting Ahithophel’s plan to immediately strike David, or is this strategy purely literary? 13. If Hushai’s counsel (2 Samuel 17:7–14) was so clearly delayed and risky, why would Absalom reject Ahithophel’s seemingly superior military advice without further scrutiny? 14. Why does 2 Samuel 17:23 describe Ahithophel’s suicide differently from any later biblical references to suicides, and are there historical precedents for such a response? Discussion Questions 1. How does the account of Hushai and Ahithophel illustrate the concept of divine intervention in human affairs?2. In what ways can we seek to discern God's will in situations where we face conflicting advice or counsel? 3. How does Absalom's rebellion against David reflect the broader theme of rebellion against God's authority in our own lives? 4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate loyalty and wisdom in our relationships and responsibilities? 5. How can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty in 2 Samuel 17:14 to our current life challenges and decisions?1. Compare and contrast Ahithophel's and Hushai's counsel. How does their advice reflect their characters and loyalties? 2. How can you see God's providence at work in this chapter? Identify specific instances. 3. How do the decisions made by Ahithophel and Hushai reflect on their understanding of leadership and power? 4. How does Absalom evaluate the advice he receives? What does this tell us about his character? 5. Ahithophel commits suicide when his advice is not taken. What does this tell us about his character and his faith in God? 6. How can we trust in God's providence in our own lives, especially when facing adversarial situations? 7. What can we learn from David's trust in God despite being pursued by his own son? 8. In today's world, how can we discern when to follow certain advice or reject it? 9. What practical lessons can we draw from the woman in Bahurim's act of quick thinking and bravery? 10. What does this chapter teach us about the consequences of our choices and actions? 11. How does this chapter inform our understanding of justice and mercy in the Biblical context? 12. How would you respond to a situation where someone used deceit for a good cause, similar to Hushai's strategy? 13. What does the provision for David's troops teach us about community support in times of crisis? 14. In the face of seemingly overwhelming opposition, how can we cultivate a heart like David's, trusting in God's deliverance? 15. How does Hushai's loyalty to David inspire you to loyalty in your relationships? 16. How does this chapter speak to the Christian understanding of divine justice? 17. How can we apply the principle of "waiting on the Lord's deliverance" in our own lives? 18. What steps can we take to make wise decisions when we receive conflicting advice, as Absalom did? 19. How does this chapter challenge our understanding of life's trials and God's providence? 20. How can the story of 2 Samuel 17 inspire our prayers in times of personal crisis? Links 2 Samuel 17:14 NIV2 Samuel 17:14 NLT 2 Samuel 17:14 ESV 2 Samuel 17:14 NASB 2 Samuel 17:14 KJV 2 Samuel 17:14 Commentaries Bible Hub |



