So Hushai came to Absalom, who told him, "Ahithophel has spoken this proposal. Should we carry it out? If not, what do you say?" So Hushai came to AbsalomHushai, known as "the Archite," was a loyal friend and advisor to King David. His presence in Absalom's court was part of a strategic plan to counteract the counsel of Ahithophel, who had defected to Absalom's side. The Hebrew root of "came" (בּוֹא, bo) implies an intentional arrival, suggesting Hushai's deliberate mission to serve David's interests. Historically, this moment is pivotal as it sets the stage for the unfolding of God's providence in preserving David's kingdom. who told him
The phrase indicates a direct communication between Absalom and Hushai. In the context of ancient Near Eastern courts, such direct dialogue underscores the trust and authority Absalom placed in his advisors. This moment reflects the political intrigue and the weight of counsel in royal decisions, highlighting the importance of wisdom and discernment in leadership. Ahithophel has spoken this word
Ahithophel was renowned for his counsel, which was considered as if one inquired of the word of God (2 Samuel 16:23). The Hebrew term for "word" (דָּבָר, dabar) often signifies a matter or thing of importance. Ahithophel's advice carried significant weight, and his defection to Absalom was a severe blow to David. This phrase sets the tension between divine providence and human wisdom, as Ahithophel's counsel, though wise, was ultimately thwarted by God's intervention. Should we do as he says?
This question reveals Absalom's reliance on counsel and his uncertainty in leadership. The Hebrew verb for "do" (עָשָׂה, asah) implies action and decision-making. Absalom's inquiry reflects the critical nature of the decision at hand and the potential consequences of following Ahithophel's advice. It underscores the theme of seeking guidance and the responsibility of leaders to weigh counsel carefully. If not, give us your opinion
Absalom's request for Hushai's opinion demonstrates the value of multiple perspectives in decision-making. The Hebrew root for "opinion" (יָעַץ, ya'ats) means to advise or counsel, indicating the role of advisors in shaping the course of events. This moment highlights the divine orchestration at play, as Hushai's counsel would ultimately serve God's purpose in preserving David's throne. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking godly wisdom and the assurance that God's plans will prevail despite human schemes. Persons / Places / Events 1. HushaiA friend and loyal advisor to King David, who acts as a spy to counteract the counsel of Ahithophel and protect David. 2. AbsalomThe son of King David who rebels against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. 3. AhithophelA highly esteemed counselor whose advice was considered almost as if one had consulted the word of God. He initially sided with Absalom during the rebellion. 4. DavidThe King of Israel, father of Absalom, who is in a vulnerable position due to his son's rebellion. 5. JerusalemThe central city of Israel, where Absalom has taken control and where this counsel is being discussed. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly CounselThe passage highlights the need for seeking wisdom from God and discerning the advice we receive. Not all counsel, even from esteemed sources, aligns with God's will. Loyalty and BetrayalHushai's loyalty to David contrasts with Ahithophel's betrayal, reminding us of the value of faithfulness and the pain of betrayal. The Consequences of RebellionAbsalom's rebellion against his father, David, serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of pride and ambition. Divine ProvidenceDespite human plans and schemes, God's purposes prevail. Hushai's presence and counsel are part of God's plan to protect David. Seeking God's WisdomLike Absalom, we often face decisions requiring discernment. We should seek God's wisdom through prayer and scripture. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the counsel of Hushai and Ahithophel reflect the broader theme of seeking godly wisdom in our lives? 2. In what ways can we identify and avoid the pitfalls of rebellion and pride as seen in Absalom's actions? 3. How can we ensure that our loyalty remains steadfast to those God has placed in our lives, as Hushai did with David? 4. Reflect on a time when you faced conflicting advice. How did you discern the right path, and what role did prayer and scripture play in your decision? 5. How does the account of Absalom's rebellion and the counsel he received encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty over our circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 15:23This verse highlights the theme of rebellion against God's anointed, similar to Absalom's rebellion against David. Proverbs 11:14This verse speaks to the importance of wise counsel, contrasting the differing advice of Ahithophel and Hushai. Psalm 41:9David laments betrayal by a close friend, which can be seen in Ahithophel's betrayal. James 1:5Encourages seeking wisdom from God, relevant to Absalom's request for counsel. 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, Advice, Advises, Ahithophel, Ahith'ophel, Carry, Hushai, Manner, Opinion, Plan, Saying, Says, Spake, Speak, Speaketh, Spoke, Spoken, Suggestion, ThusDictionary of Bible Themes 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 17:6 NIV2 Samuel 17:6 NLT2 Samuel 17:6 ESV2 Samuel 17:6 NASB2 Samuel 17:6 KJV
2 Samuel 17:6 Commentaries
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