Now send quickly and tell David, 'Do not spend the night at the fords of the wilderness, but be sure to cross over. Otherwise the king and all the people with him will be swallowed up.'" Now send quicklyThe urgency in this phrase underscores the critical nature of the message. The Hebrew word for "send" is שָׁלַח (shalach), which often implies dispatching with authority and purpose. The urgency reflects the dire situation David is in, emphasizing the need for immediate action to avert disaster. Historically, this moment is pivotal as it involves the preservation of David's life and the continuation of his God-ordained kingship. and tell David
The instruction to "tell David" highlights the importance of communication and the role of messengers in ancient times. David, the anointed king, is in a vulnerable position, and the message is a lifeline. The Hebrew root דָּבַר (dabar) for "tell" implies not just speaking but conveying a message of significance, often with divine implications. This reflects the biblical theme of God’s providence and guidance through human agents. ‘Do not spend the night
The phrase "do not spend the night" is a direct warning against complacency. The Hebrew verb לִין (lin) means to lodge or stay temporarily. In the context of David's flight from Absalom, it signifies the danger of delay. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and readiness in the face of spiritual and physical threats. at the fords of the wilderness
The "fords of the wilderness" refers to shallow crossing points in a river, specifically the Jordan River in this context. The Hebrew term מַעֲבָר (ma'abar) for "fords" indicates a place of transition and potential vulnerability. Historically, these locations were strategic for travel and military maneuvers. The wilderness represents a place of testing and reliance on God, echoing Israel's own wilderness journey. but cross over without fail
The command to "cross over without fail" is a decisive call to action. The Hebrew word עָבַר (avar) for "cross over" conveys movement and transition, often associated with entering into a new phase or territory. This reflects the necessity of obedience and trust in God’s deliverance. The phrase "without fail" underscores the certainty and determination required to follow God’s guidance. or the king and all the people with him
This phrase emphasizes the collective fate of David and his followers. The term "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melech) signifies David's God-given authority and responsibility. The inclusion of "all the people with him" highlights the communal aspect of leadership and the impact of David's decisions on the nation of Israel. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of leaders and their people. will be swallowed up
The imagery of being "swallowed up" conveys imminent destruction and defeat. The Hebrew verb בָּלַע (bala) means to engulf or consume, often used in contexts of divine judgment or overwhelming circumstances. This stark warning underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for divine intervention. It serves as a metaphor for the spiritual battles believers face, where reliance on God’s guidance is crucial for survival and victory. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, currently in a precarious situation due to Absalom's rebellion. 2. AbsalomDavid's son, who has usurped the throne and is seeking to solidify his power. 3. HushaiDavid's loyal friend and spy, who provides counsel to Absalom to thwart Ahithophel's advice. 4. AhithophelA former counselor of David, now advising Absalom, known for his wise counsel. 5. The Fords of the WildernessA strategic location where David and his followers are vulnerable to attack. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsDespite human schemes, God's purposes prevail. Hushai's counsel, though seemingly risky, was part of God's plan to protect David. The Importance of Wise CounselDavid's reliance on Hushai's advice underscores the value of godly counsel in times of crisis. Seek wisdom from those who fear the Lord. Urgency in ObedienceThe immediate action required by David and his men highlights the importance of prompt obedience to God's guidance. Trust in God's ProtectionEven in dire circumstances, David's trust in God's protection is evident. Believers can find assurance in God's faithfulness. The Role of Prayer and DiscernmentDavid's situation calls for prayerful discernment. In our lives, we should seek God's direction through prayer and His Word. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of Hushai in this passage demonstrate the importance of having godly friends and advisors? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the events of 2 Samuel 17:16, and how does this encourage us in our own lives? 3. Reflect on a time when you had to act quickly in obedience to God's leading. What were the outcomes, and what did you learn from the experience? 4. How can we apply the urgency of David's situation to our spiritual lives, particularly in responding to God's call? 5. Compare David's reliance on Hushai's counsel with other biblical examples of seeking godly wisdom. How can these examples guide us in making decisions today? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 3David's prayer during Absalom's rebellion, expressing trust in God's deliverance. Proverbs 21:30Highlights that no wisdom or counsel can prevail against the Lord, reflecting the futility of Ahithophel's plans against David. 1 Samuel 23:9-13David's reliance on divine guidance to escape Saul, similar to his escape from Absalom. 2 Samuel 15:31-37The introduction of Hushai's role as a spy, setting the stage for his counsel in 2 Samuel 17. Romans 8:28God's sovereignty in working all things for the good of those who love Him, as seen in David's deliverance. 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 Across, Certainly, Cross, David, Declare, Desert, Destroyed, Destruction, Fail, Fords, Hastily, Immediately, Lest, Lodge, News, Night's, Pass, Plains, Quickly, Rest, River, Saying, Speedily, Spend, Swallowed, Swallowing, Tonight, To-night, Waste, Wilderness, WiseDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 17:16 4260 rivers and streams 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 17:16 NIV2 Samuel 17:16 NLT2 Samuel 17:16 ESV2 Samuel 17:16 NASB2 Samuel 17:16 KJV
2 Samuel 17:16 Commentaries
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