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. So Absalom and all the men of Israel saidThis phrase sets the stage for a pivotal moment in the narrative. Absalom, the son of King David, is in rebellion against his father. The phrase "all the men of Israel" indicates a collective decision-making process, reflecting the political and social dynamics of ancient Israel. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) often implies a declaration or decision, highlighting the weight of the consensus reached by Absalom and his followers. The counsel of Hushai the Archite
Hushai is described as "the Archite," indicating his lineage or place of origin, which is significant in understanding his role and influence. Hushai was a loyal friend to David, and his presence in Absalom's court was part of a strategic plan to counteract Ahithophel's advice. The Hebrew term for "counsel" (עֵצָה, 'etsah) suggests advice or strategy, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and discernment in leadership. is better than the counsel of Ahithophel
Ahithophel was known for his wise counsel, and his advice was highly regarded, as seen earlier in the narrative. The comparison here underscores a divine intervention, as the Hebrew word for "better" (טוֹב, tov) often conveys goodness or superiority. This phrase highlights the turning point where human wisdom is contrasted with divine purpose. For the LORD had purposed
This phrase introduces the divine element in the unfolding events. The Hebrew root for "purposed" (צָוָה, tsavah) implies a command or decree, indicating that the events were under God's sovereign control. This reflects a key theological theme in the Bible: God's will ultimately prevails over human plans. to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel
The word "thwart" (פָּרַר, parar) in Hebrew means to break or frustrate, suggesting an active intervention by God. Despite Ahithophel's counsel being described as "good," it was not aligned with God's plan. This highlights the biblical principle that God's wisdom surpasses human understanding, and His purposes will be accomplished. in order to bring disaster upon Absalom
The phrase "bring disaster" (רָעָה, ra'ah) indicates a divinely orchestrated outcome. Absalom's rebellion was against God's anointed king, David, and thus, his actions were contrary to God's covenantal promises. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of opposing God's will and the inevitable triumph of divine justice. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbsalomThe son of King David who rebelled against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. 2. Hushai the ArchiteA loyal friend and advisor to King David who infiltrated Absalom's court to counteract 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. The LORDThe sovereign God of Israel, who intervenes in the affairs of men to fulfill His divine purposes. 5. IsraelThe nation over which David was king and which Absalom sought to rule through rebellion. Teaching Points Divine SovereigntyGod's plans will always prevail, even when human wisdom seems insurmountable. Trust in His ultimate control over all situations. Loyalty and WisdomHushai's loyalty to David and his wise counsel demonstrate the importance of faithfulness and discernment in serving God's purposes. The Futility of RebellionAbsalom's rebellion against God's anointed king serves as a warning against opposing God's established order. God's ProtectionJust as God protected David through Hushai's counsel, He provides protection and guidance to those who seek Him. The Consequences of PrideAbsalom's downfall is a reminder of the dangers of pride and ambition that are not aligned with God's will. Bible Study 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? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 19:21This verse highlights that many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails, echoing the divine intervention seen in 2 Samuel 17:14. Romans 8:28This passage speaks to God's ability to work all things for the good of those who love Him, similar to how God used Hushai's counsel to protect David. Isaiah 14:27This verse emphasizes that when the LORD has purposed something, no one can thwart it, paralleling the thwarting of Ahithophel's counsel. 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, Advice, Ahithophel, Ahith'ophel, Appointed, Archite, Arkite, Better, Bring, Bringing, Calamity, Counsel, Defeat, Designs, Determined, Disaster, Effect, Evil, Frustrate, Hushai, Hushai's, Intent, Ordained, Order, Purpose, Sake, Suggestion, Thwart, Void, Willed, WiseDictionary 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 17:14 NIV2 Samuel 17:14 NLT2 Samuel 17:14 ESV2 Samuel 17:14 NASB2 Samuel 17:14 KJV
2 Samuel 17:14 Commentaries
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