This proposal seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 17:4? 2. How does 2 Samuel 17:4 illustrate the importance of seeking wise counsel? 3. What can we learn about decision-making from Ahithophel's advice in 2 Samuel 17:4? 4. How does Ahithophel's plan in 2 Samuel 17:4 connect to Proverbs 15:22? 5. In what ways can we ensure our plans align with God's will today? 6. How can we discern godly counsel from worldly advice in our daily lives? 7. Why did Ahithophel's advice please Absalom and the elders in 2 Samuel 17:4? 8. How does 2 Samuel 17:4 reflect on the nature of political counsel and leadership? 9. What does 2 Samuel 17:4 reveal about the character and motives of Absalom? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 17? 11. Are there any contradictions between 1 Samuel 4 and other biblical accounts regarding the fate of Eli's sons or the Ark's movements? 12. How realistic is the swift exchange of secret messages in 2 Samuel 17:15-21, given the distance and security risks involved in ancient Israel? 13. 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? 14. Who were the elders in the Old Testament? Discussion Questions 1. How does the account of Absalom's rebellion challenge us to evaluate the sources of our counsel and advice? What criteria should we use to discern godly counsel?2. In what ways can we see the sovereignty of God at work in the events of 2 Samuel 17, and how does this encourage us in our own lives? 3. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision that required discernment. How did you seek God's guidance, and what was the outcome? 4. How can the account of Absalom and the elders of Israel inform our understanding of leadership and influence within our communities and churches? 5. What lessons can we learn from Hushai's loyalty to David about the importance of faithfulness and strategic wisdom in supporting God's purposes?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 17:4 NIV2 Samuel 17:4 NLT 2 Samuel 17:4 ESV 2 Samuel 17:4 NASB 2 Samuel 17:4 KJV 2 Samuel 17:4 Commentaries Bible Hub |



