Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. Furthermore, Ahithophel said to AbsalomAhithophel was a renowned counselor, known for his wisdom and insight, whose advice was highly esteemed, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:23. His name in Hebrew, "אֲחִיתֹפֶל" (Achitophel), means "brother of folly," which is ironic given his reputation for wisdom. However, his counsel here is against David, God's anointed king, showing that even the wisest human counsel can be flawed when it opposes God's will. Historically, Ahithophel's betrayal of David, his former ally, reflects the deep political and personal tensions within the kingdom. Absalom, David's son, is in rebellion, and Ahithophel's support signifies a critical shift in the power dynamics of Israel. Let me choose twelve thousand men
The number "twelve thousand" is significant, symbolizing a large, complete force, as the number twelve often represents completeness in the Bible, such as the twelve tribes of Israel. Ahithophel's proposal to select this specific number of men indicates a strategic and calculated military plan, aiming to overwhelm David with sheer numbers. This reflects the urgency and seriousness of Absalom's rebellion, as well as Ahithophel's confidence in his strategy. The choice of a large force also underscores the gravity of the threat against David, highlighting the intense opposition he faced. and set out tonight
The urgency in Ahithophel's plan is evident in his desire to act immediately, "tonight." This reflects a common military strategy of surprise and speed, aiming to catch David off guard. The Hebrew word for "tonight" (לַיְלָה, laylah) emphasizes the immediacy and potential for secrecy under the cover of darkness. This urgency also reveals Ahithophel's understanding of the precariousness of Absalom's position; a swift victory was necessary to solidify his claim to the throne before David could regroup and counterattack. in pursuit of David
David, the anointed king of Israel, is now a fugitive, pursued by his own son. The Hebrew root for "pursuit" (רָדַף, radaph) conveys a relentless chase, often used in contexts of hunting or warfare. This pursuit is not just a physical chase but also a spiritual and emotional one, as David faces betrayal and the threat of death from within his own family. Historically, this moment is a profound test of David's faith and leadership, as he must rely on God's protection and guidance in the face of overwhelming odds. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the trials faced by God's chosen leaders and the ultimate triumph of divine providence over human schemes. Persons / Places / Events 1. AhithophelA counselor to King David, known for his wisdom. He later defected to Absalom during Absalom's rebellion against David. 2. AbsalomThe son of King David who led a rebellion against his father to seize the throne of Israel. 3. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, who was on the run from his son Absalom during this period of civil unrest. 4. Twelve Thousand MenThe number of troops Ahithophel proposed to take in pursuit of David, indicating a significant military force. 5. Pursuit of DavidThe event where Ahithophel advised a swift and decisive attack on David to end the rebellion quickly. Teaching Points The Danger of BetrayalAhithophel's betrayal of David serves as a reminder of the pain and consequences of betrayal, even from those once trusted. The Wisdom of Seeking Godly CounselWhile Ahithophel was known for his wisdom, his counsel was not aligned with God's will. This highlights the importance of seeking counsel that is rooted in godly wisdom. God's Sovereignty Over Human PlansDespite Ahithophel's strategic advice, God's purposes ultimately prevailed. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty over our circumstances. The Importance of Prayer in CrisisDavid's response to the threat was to pray, demonstrating the power and necessity of prayer in times of crisis. The Consequences of RebellionAbsalom's rebellion against his father illustrates the destructive nature of rebellion and the importance of honoring God's anointed leadership. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ahithophel's counsel to Absalom reflect the potential for human wisdom to be misused? Can you think of a time when you relied on human wisdom instead of seeking God's guidance? 2. In what ways does David's response to Ahithophel's betrayal demonstrate his faith in God? How can we apply this to our own experiences of betrayal or conflict? 3. How does the account of Absalom's rebellion and Ahithophel's counsel illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty? Can you find other biblical examples where God's plans prevailed over human intentions? 4. What can we learn from David's reliance on prayer during his flight from Absalom? How can prayer be a source of strength in your own life during difficult times? 5. Reflect on the consequences of Absalom's rebellion. How does this account encourage us to respect and honor God-given authority in our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 3This psalm is attributed to David during his flight from Absalom, providing insight into David's reliance on God amidst betrayal and danger. 2 Samuel 15:31This verse highlights David's prayer for Ahithophel's counsel to be turned into foolishness, showing David's awareness of the threat Ahithophel posed. Proverbs 19:21This verse speaks to the sovereignty of God's plans over human intentions, relevant to the unfolding events in 2 Samuel 17. 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, Ahithophel, Ahith'ophel, Arise, Choose, David, Furthermore, Moreover, Please, Pursue, Pursuit, Thousand, Tonight, To-night, TwelveDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 17:1 5780 advisers 2 Samuel 17:1-4 5917 plans 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 17:1 NIV2 Samuel 17:1 NLT2 Samuel 17:1 ESV2 Samuel 17:1 NASB2 Samuel 17:1 KJV
2 Samuel 17:1 Commentaries
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