2 Samuel 17:22
So David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one left who had not crossed the Jordan.
So David
The name "David" in Hebrew is דָּוִד (Dawid), meaning "beloved." David, the anointed king of Israel, is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his heart after God. This phrase sets the stage for David's leadership and his reliance on God during times of crisis. Historically, David's life is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises, even amidst adversity.

and all the people with him
This phrase emphasizes the unity and loyalty of David's followers. Despite the turmoil and danger posed by Absalom's rebellion, these people chose to remain with David. This reflects the communal aspect of faith and the importance of solidarity among believers. In a broader scriptural context, it mirrors the Church's call to unity and support for one another in times of trial.

set out and crossed the Jordan
The Jordan River holds significant historical and spiritual symbolism in the Bible. It represents a boundary and a place of transition. For David and his followers, crossing the Jordan was a strategic move to escape Absalom's pursuit. Spiritually, it signifies a step of faith and obedience, reminiscent of the Israelites crossing into the Promised Land. The act of crossing the Jordan can be seen as a metaphor for leaving behind the old and stepping into God's provision and protection.

By daybreak
The mention of "daybreak" signifies a new beginning and hope. In the Bible, light often symbolizes God's presence and guidance. The timing of their crossing suggests divine intervention and protection, as they completed their journey under the cover of night and emerged into the light of a new day. This can inspire believers to trust in God's timing and His ability to bring them through darkness into light.

there was no one left who had not crossed the Jordan
This phrase underscores the completeness and thoroughness of their escape. It highlights David's effective leadership and the commitment of his followers. In a spiritual sense, it can be seen as an assurance that God does not leave any of His people behind. It reflects the biblical theme of God's faithfulness in delivering His people entirely and without exception.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The anointed king of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom's rebellion. David's leadership and reliance on God are central to this account.

2. The Jordan River
A significant geographical and symbolic boundary in Israel's history. Crossing the Jordan often signifies a transition or deliverance.

3. Absalom
David's son, who has usurped the throne and is pursuing David. His rebellion is a key event leading to David's flight.

4. Ahithophel and Hushai
Advisors whose counsel plays a crucial role in the unfolding events. Ahithophel's advice is thwarted by Hushai, who remains loyal to David.

5. The People with David
Loyal followers who accompany David in his flight, demonstrating their allegiance and trust in his leadership.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's Deliverance
Just as David trusted God to guide him across the Jordan, we are called to trust in God's deliverance in our own times of trial.

Leadership in Crisis
David's calm and decisive leadership during a crisis is a model for us. We should seek God's wisdom and act with courage when facing challenges.

The Importance of Loyal Companions
The loyalty of those who followed David highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with faithful friends who support us in difficult times.

Symbolism of Crossing Boundaries
Crossing the Jordan represents a transition and new beginnings. In our spiritual journey, we may face "Jordan" moments that require faith to move forward.

God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans
Despite Absalom's rebellion and Ahithophel's counsel, God's plan prevails. We can trust that God's purposes will be accomplished, even when human plans seem to threaten them.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's crossing of the Jordan reflect his trust in God's protection and guidance? How can we apply this trust in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the loyalty of David's followers inspire us to be faithful companions to others? Can you think of a time when you supported someone in their "Jordan" moment?

3. How does the crossing of the Jordan in 2 Samuel 17:22 compare to the Israelites' crossing in Joshua 3-4? What does this teach us about God's faithfulness?

4. What can we learn from David's leadership during this crisis that can be applied to our roles as leaders in our families, workplaces, or communities?

5. How does the thwarting of Ahithophel's counsel demonstrate God's sovereignty? How can this assurance of God's control over circumstances bring peace to our lives today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 3-4
The crossing of the Jordan by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership parallels David's crossing, symbolizing God's deliverance and guidance.

Psalm 3
A psalm attributed to David during his flight from Absalom, expressing trust in God's protection.

2 Samuel 15:13-37
Provides context for David's flight, including his strategic decisions and the loyalty of his followers.
Hushai's Advice PreferredC. Ness.2 Samuel 17:7-23
The Best CounsellorsManton, Thomas2 Samuel 17:7-23
Slight Services: a Sermon to Young PersonsB. Dale 2 Samuel 17:15-22
David's Escape Across the JordanB. Dale 2 Samuel 17:21, 22
People
Abiathar, Abigail, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Ahithophel, Amasa, Ammiel, Ammonites, Arkite, Barzillai, Dan, David, Hushai, Ithra, Jesse, Jether, Joab, Jonathan, Machir, Nahash, Shobi, Zadok, Zeruiah
Places
Bahurim, Beersheba, Dan, En-rogel, Gilead, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Lo-debar, Mahanaim, Rabbah, Rogelim
Topics
Crossed, David, Dawn, Daybreak, Jordan, Lacked, Lacking, Missing, Morning, Pass, Passed, Riseth, Till
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 17:22

     4918   dawn

2 Samuel 17:21-23

     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 Bread

The 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

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