So Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, "This is what Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and this is what I have advised. So Hushai toldThe phrase begins with Hushai, a loyal friend and advisor to King David, who was strategically placed in Absalom's court to counteract the counsel of Ahithophel. The Hebrew root for "told" (נָגַד, nagad) implies a declaration or making something known. Hushai's role was pivotal in the divine plan to protect David, demonstrating God's sovereignty and the importance of wise counsel. Zadok and Abiathar, the priests
Zadok and Abiathar were high priests during David's reign, representing spiritual authority and continuity of the priestly line. Their involvement underscores the integration of religious leadership in political affairs, highlighting the theocratic nature of Israel's governance. The priests served as intermediaries, ensuring that David remained informed and connected to God's will. This is what Ahithophel advised
Ahithophel was known for his astute counsel, often regarded as if one inquired of the word of God (2 Samuel 16:23). His advice to Absalom was strategically sound but ultimately thwarted by divine intervention. This phrase reminds us of the limitations of human wisdom when it opposes God's plans, emphasizing the theme of divine providence. Absalom and the elders of Israel
Absalom, David's son, led a rebellion against his father, seeking to usurp the throne. The "elders of Israel" were leaders and representatives of the tribes, whose support was crucial for Absalom's legitimacy. This highlights the political dynamics and the fragile nature of human alliances, contrasting with the steadfastness of God's covenant with David. and this is what I have advised
Hushai's counter-advice was a strategic move to protect David, demonstrating the importance of discernment and loyalty. His counsel was part of God's plan to frustrate Ahithophel's advice, showcasing the theme of divine intervention in human affairs. Hushai's wisdom and courage serve as an inspiration for believers to trust in God's guidance amidst challenges. Persons / Places / Events 1. HushaiA loyal friend and advisor to King David, who acts as a spy to thwart the counsel of Ahithophel and protect David. 2. Zadok and AbiatharPriests who remain loyal to David during Absalom's rebellion, serving as messengers and intermediaries. 3. AhithophelA former counselor to David who defects to Absalom, known for his wise but ultimately flawed counsel. 4. AbsalomDavid's son who rebels against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. 5. The Elders of IsraelLeaders who are swayed by the counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai during Absalom's rebellion. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over Human PlansDespite human wisdom and planning, God's purposes will ultimately prevail. Hushai's successful counter-counsel demonstrates God's hand in guiding events according to His will. The Role of Loyalty and FaithfulnessHushai's loyalty to David and his willingness to risk his life for the king's safety exemplify the importance of faithfulness to God's anointed leaders. Discernment in LeadershipThe contrasting advice of Ahithophel and Hushai underscores the need for discernment in leadership, seeking God's wisdom over human counsel. The Power of Prayer and IntercessionDavid's prayer for Ahithophel's counsel to be turned to foolishness ( 2 Samuel 15:31) is answered through Hushai, highlighting the power of prayer in influencing outcomes. The Importance of Godly AlliancesThe collaboration between Hushai, Zadok, and Abiathar shows the strength found in godly alliances and partnerships in fulfilling God's purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hushai's role as a spy reflect the theme of God's sovereignty in the account of 2 Samuel 17? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of loyalty and faithfulness in our own relationships and commitments today? 3. How can we cultivate discernment in our decision-making processes, especially when faced with conflicting advice? 4. What role does prayer play in seeking God's guidance and intervention in challenging situations, as seen in David's response to Ahithophel's counsel? 5. How can we build and maintain godly alliances in our communities to support and fulfill God's purposes in our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 15:22-23Highlights the importance of obedience to God over human wisdom, contrasting Ahithophel's seemingly wise counsel with God's ultimate plan. Proverbs 19:21Emphasizes that many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails, reflecting the outcome of Hushai's intervention. Psalm 33:10-11Illustrates how the Lord frustrates the plans of the nations, aligning with how God uses Hushai to thwart Ahithophel's advice. 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 Abiathar, Abi'athar, Absalom, Ab'salom, Advised, Ahithophel, Ahith'ophel, Counsel, Counseled, Counselled, Elders, Hushai, Priests, Responsible, Suggestion, Thus, ZadokDictionary 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 17:15 NIV2 Samuel 17:15 NLT2 Samuel 17:15 ESV2 Samuel 17:15 NASB2 Samuel 17:15 KJV
2 Samuel 17:15 Commentaries
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