Then David went to Mahanaim, and Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel. Then David went to MahanaimThe name "Mahanaim" is derived from the Hebrew root "מַחֲנַיִם" (Machanayim), meaning "two camps" or "double camp." This location holds significant historical and spiritual importance. It was here that Jacob encountered the angels of God ( Genesis 32:1-2), marking it as a place of divine encounter and protection. For David, fleeing from Absalom, Mahanaim represents a strategic and spiritual refuge. It symbolizes God's provision and the assurance of His presence even in times of distress. The choice of Mahanaim as David's refuge underscores the theme of God's faithfulness and the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of crisis. and Absalom crossed the Jordan
The Jordan River, a significant geographical and spiritual boundary in Israel's history, often symbolizes transition and change. Absalom's crossing of the Jordan signifies a pivotal moment in his rebellion against David. Historically, the Jordan was a barrier that separated the land of Israel from the territories to the east. Absalom's crossing indicates his determination to pursue his father and assert his claim to the throne. This act of crossing also reflects a deeper spiritual rebellion, as Absalom moves away from the God-ordained order of kingship. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and ambition unchecked by divine wisdom. with all the men of Israel
The phrase "all the men of Israel" highlights the widespread support Absalom had garnered in his rebellion. This support reflects the political and social unrest within the kingdom, as well as the charismatic influence Absalom wielded over the people. From a scriptural perspective, this mass following underscores the theme of division and the fragility of human loyalty. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of forsaking God's anointed leader and the unity of God's people. The narrative invites reflection on the importance of discernment and allegiance to God's chosen path, even amidst popular opinion and societal pressure. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom. David's journey to Mahanaim marks a strategic retreat during Absalom's rebellion. 2. AbsalomDavid's son, who has declared himself king and is pursuing David. His crossing of the Jordan signifies his aggressive pursuit to solidify his claim to the throne. 3. MahanaimA city east of the Jordan River, which becomes a place of refuge and strategic importance for David. Historically, it was a Levitical city and a place of significance during Jacob's time. 4. Jordan RiverA significant geographical boundary in Israel, symbolizing a crossing point both physically and spiritually. It often represents transitions and new phases in biblical accounts. 5. Men of IsraelRefers to the forces loyal to Absalom, highlighting the division within the nation of Israel during this civil conflict. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipDespite human rebellion and conflict, God's plan for leadership and governance prevails. Believers can trust in God's ultimate authority over earthly rulers. Seeking Refuge in Times of TroubleLike David, believers can find refuge in God during times of distress. Mahanaim symbolizes a place of safety and divine provision. The Consequences of RebellionAbsalom's actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and rebellion against God's anointed. It reminds us to respect God's established order. The Importance of Strategic RetreatDavid's retreat to Mahanaim was not a sign of defeat but a strategic move. In spiritual battles, there are times when retreat and regrouping are necessary for ultimate victory. Unity and Division in the Body of ChristThe division between David and Absalom's followers reflects the potential for division within the church. Believers are called to seek unity and reconciliation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's retreat to Mahanaim demonstrate his reliance on God's guidance during times of crisis? 2. In what ways can the account of Absalom's rebellion serve as a warning against pride and self-exaltation in our own lives? 3. How can we apply the concept of seeking refuge in God, as David did, in our personal struggles today? 4. What lessons can we learn from David's strategic retreat that can be applied to handling conflicts in our own lives? 5. How does the division between David and Absalom's followers challenge us to promote unity within our church communities? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 32Mahanaim is first mentioned when Jacob encounters angels of God, symbolizing divine presence and protection, which parallels David's need for divine support. Psalm 3A psalm attributed to David during his flight from Absalom, expressing trust in God's deliverance despite overwhelming odds. 1 Kings 2The eventual resolution of the conflict between David and Absalom, where Solomon, David's son, is established as king, showing God's sovereignty in leadership transitions. 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, Crossed, David, Jordan, Mahanaim, Mahana'im, PassedDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 17:23 4633 donkey
5067 suicide
5241 burial
5331 hanging
5340 house
5485 punishment, legal aspects
9050 tombs
9614 hope, results of absence 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 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 17:24 NIV2 Samuel 17:24 NLT2 Samuel 17:24 ESV2 Samuel 17:24 NASB2 Samuel 17:24 KJV
2 Samuel 17:24 Commentaries
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