So the Israelites and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead. So the IsraelitesThe term "Israelites" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. In this context, it highlights the division within the nation of Israel, as the people are now following Absalom in rebellion against King David. Historically, the Israelites were God's chosen people, set apart to be a light to the nations. This moment of division is significant as it reflects the internal strife and challenges to unity that can occur even among God's people. The Hebrew root for Israel, "Yisra'el," means "God contends" or "one who struggles with God," which is fitting given the current struggle for leadership and allegiance. and Absalom
Absalom, the third son of King David, is a central figure in this narrative. His name in Hebrew, "Avshalom," means "father of peace," which is ironic given his role in leading a rebellion against his own father. Absalom's actions are a stark reminder of the consequences of pride and ambition unchecked by godly wisdom. His rebellion is not just against David but against God's anointed king, illustrating the dangers of seeking power for personal gain rather than divine purpose. camped
The act of camping signifies preparation and readiness for battle. In ancient times, setting up camp was a strategic move, often indicating a temporary but significant presence in a particular area. For Absalom and the Israelites, camping in Gilead represents a moment of consolidation and planning as they prepare to confront David's forces. It is a physical manifestation of their rebellion and a pause before the impending conflict. in the land of Gilead
Gilead is a region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm, a healing ointment. The name "Gilead" can mean "heap of stones" or "rocky region," reflecting its rugged terrain. Historically, Gilead was a place of refuge and strategic importance. For Absalom and his followers, camping in Gilead symbolizes a stronghold and a place of gathering strength. Spiritually, it contrasts with the healing connotations of Gilead's balm, as this gathering is for war and division rather than healing and unity. The choice of Gilead as a location underscores the gravity of the rebellion and the deep-seated conflict within Israel. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbsalomThe son of King David who rebelled against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. His actions led to a civil war within the nation. 2. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, who was forced to flee Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion. He represents God's chosen leadership, despite the challenges he faced. 3. GileadA region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. It served as a strategic location during the conflict between David and Absalom. 4. IsraelitesThe people of Israel, who were divided in their loyalties between David and Absalom during this period of civil unrest. 5. Civil WarThe internal conflict within Israel, sparked by Absalom's rebellion, which tested the nation's unity and faithfulness to God's anointed king. Teaching Points The Consequences of RebellionAbsalom's rebellion against his father, David, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and ambition. It reminds us of the importance of respecting God's established order and authority. The Importance of UnityThe division among the Israelites highlights the need for unity within the body of believers. Discord can weaken a community and distract from God's purposes. Trusting God's SovereigntyDespite the turmoil, David's faith in God's sovereignty is evident. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem dire. Strategic Spiritual PositioningJust as Gilead was a strategic location, believers must position themselves spiritually through prayer, scripture, and fellowship to withstand challenges. The Role of LeadershipThe account underscores the significance of godly leadership and the responsibility leaders have to guide their people according to God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Absalom's rebellion against David illustrate the consequences of pride and ambition in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we work towards unity within our church or community, especially when faced with internal conflicts? 3. How does David's response to Absalom's rebellion demonstrate trust in God's sovereignty, and how can we apply this trust in our personal challenges? 4. What strategic "Gileads" can we identify in our spiritual lives that help us remain strong in faith during times of trial? 5. How can we support and pray for our leaders to ensure they are guided by God's wisdom and not personal ambition? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 15-18These chapters provide the broader account of Absalom's rebellion, detailing his conspiracy, David's response, and the eventual outcome of the conflict. Psalm 3Traditionally attributed to David during his flight from Absalom, this psalm reflects David's trust in God amidst adversity. 1 Samuel 16:1-13The anointing of David as king, establishing his divine appointment and the legitimacy of his rule, which is challenged by Absalom's rebellion. 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, Camped, Encamped, Encampeth, Gilead, Pitched, TentsDictionary 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 17:26 NIV2 Samuel 17:26 NLT2 Samuel 17:26 ESV2 Samuel 17:26 NASB2 Samuel 17:26 KJV
2 Samuel 17:26 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
