Then the man's wife took a covering and spread it over the mouth of the well, scattering grain over it so nobody would know a thing. Then his wifeThis phrase introduces the pivotal role of a woman in the narrative, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of women in biblical history. In the Hebrew context, the term for "wife" (אִשָּׁה, ishah) signifies not only a marital partner but also a woman of valor and wisdom. This reflects the biblical theme of God using unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes, reminiscent of other women in Scripture like Rahab and Esther. took a covering
The act of taking a covering (כְּסוּת, kesut) is symbolic of protection and concealment. In ancient Near Eastern culture, coverings were used for various purposes, including protection from the elements and as a means of hiding or safeguarding something valuable. This action signifies a strategic move to protect the messengers, aligning with the biblical theme of divine providence and human agency working in tandem. and spread it over the mouth of the well
The well (בְּאֵר, beer) in biblical times was a vital source of life and sustenance, often serving as a communal gathering place. By spreading the covering over the well's mouth, the woman cleverly disguises the entrance, demonstrating resourcefulness and quick thinking. This act of concealment is reminiscent of other biblical narratives where God’s people are hidden or protected, such as Moses in the bulrushes or the spies in Jericho. and scattered grain on it
Scattering grain (דָּגָן, dagan) serves as a further act of deception, making the covering appear as part of the normal agricultural process. Grain, a staple in the ancient diet, symbolizes sustenance and provision. This action not only conceals the well but also reflects the theme of God providing for His people in times of need, as seen in the accounts of Joseph and the provision of manna in the wilderness. so nothing was known
This phrase underscores the success of the concealment, emphasizing the theme of divine protection and the thwarting of evil plans. The Hebrew word for "known" (יָדַע, yada) often implies intimate knowledge or understanding. Here, it signifies the complete ignorance of Absalom’s men regarding the hidden messengers, illustrating how God’s plans prevail despite human schemes. This echoes the biblical assurance found in Proverbs 21:30, "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD." Persons / Places / Events 1. The WomanAn unnamed woman who plays a crucial role in protecting David's messengers. Her quick thinking and bravery are pivotal in the unfolding events. 2. The WellA physical location used as a hiding place for David's messengers. It symbolizes refuge and protection in a time of danger. 3. David's MessengersJonathan and Ahimaaz, who were tasked with delivering critical information to King David. Their mission was vital for David's safety and strategy. 4. Absalom's RebellionThe broader context of this event is Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. This rebellion creates a backdrop of tension and urgency. 5. Hushai's CounselThe strategic advice given by Hushai, David's friend, which is part of the larger account of espionage and counter-espionage during Absalom's rebellion. Teaching Points Courage in CrisisThe woman's actions demonstrate the importance of courage and quick thinking in times of crisis. Her bravery serves as an example for believers to act decisively when faced with challenges. God's Providential ProtectionThe use of the well as a hiding place illustrates God's providence in providing protection and refuge. Believers can trust in God's provision and protection in their own lives. The Role of the UnnamedOften, significant contributions come from those who remain unnamed or unnoticed. This encourages believers to value every role within the body of Christ, recognizing that God uses all for His purposes. Wisdom and ResourcefulnessThe woman's resourcefulness in using a covering and grain to conceal the well teaches the value of wisdom and creativity in problem-solving. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the woman's action in 2 Samuel 17:19 reflect the theme of divine protection found throughout Scripture? 2. In what ways can we see the providence of God in our own lives, similar to how the well served as a refuge for David's messengers? 3. Compare the actions of the woman in this passage with Rahab in Joshua 2. What similarities and differences can you find, and what do they teach us about faith and courage? 4. How can we apply the lesson of valuing the contributions of the "unnamed" or less visible members of our community or church? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to act quickly and wisely in a difficult situation. How can the example of the woman in 2 Samuel 17:19 inspire you to trust in God's guidance and provision? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 2The account of Rahab hiding the spies sent by Joshua. Both accounts involve women who use their resourcefulness to protect God's people, highlighting themes of courage and divine providence. Psalm 91This psalm speaks of God's protection and refuge, which can be seen in the way the well serves as a hiding place for the messengers. Proverbs 31:10-31The description of a virtuous woman, which can be related to the unnamed woman's actions in protecting the messengers, demonstrating wisdom and strength. 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 Anything, Bruised, Corn, Cover, Covering, Crushed, Face, Grain, Groats, Ground, Hole, Mouth, Nothing, Opening, Scattered, Spread, Spreadeth, Strewed, Taketh, Thereon, Well'sDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 17:19 5258 cloth 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 17:19 NIV2 Samuel 17:19 NLT2 Samuel 17:19 ESV2 Samuel 17:19 NASB2 Samuel 17:19 KJV
2 Samuel 17:19 Commentaries
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