Hushai replied, "This time the advice of Ahithophel is not sound." Hushai repliedThe name "Hushai" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "hasty" or "eager." Hushai the Archite was a loyal friend and advisor to King David. His role in this narrative is crucial as he acts as a double agent, providing counsel to Absalom while secretly working to thwart Ahithophel's plans and protect David. This highlights the theme of loyalty and divine providence, as God uses Hushai's wisdom to counteract the counsel of Ahithophel, who was known for his astute advice. The advice of Ahithophel
Ahithophel was a highly esteemed counselor, whose advice was regarded as if one had consulted the word of God (2 Samuel 16:23). His name means "brother of folly," which is ironic given his reputation for wisdom. However, his counsel in this instance is part of a larger narrative of betrayal and rebellion against God's anointed king, David. This phrase underscores the tension between human wisdom and divine will, reminding believers that even the most respected human counsel can be flawed when it opposes God's purposes. is not sound
The Hebrew word for "sound" here is "tov," which generally means good, pleasing, or beneficial. Hushai's declaration that Ahithophel's advice is "not sound" is a strategic move to protect David. It reflects the biblical principle that true wisdom aligns with God's will and purposes. In this context, Hushai's discernment is a tool used by God to preserve His chosen king, illustrating the theme of divine intervention in human affairs. at this time
The phrase "at this time" indicates the immediacy and urgency of the situation. It suggests that while Ahithophel's advice might be wise in another context, it is not appropriate for the current circumstances. This highlights the importance of discerning the right course of action in alignment with God's timing. In the broader biblical narrative, it serves as a reminder that God's timing is perfect, and His plans are ultimately for the good of His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. Hushai the ArchiteA loyal friend and advisor to King David, Hushai was sent back to Jerusalem to act as a spy and counter the counsel of Ahithophel, who had sided with Absalom. 2. AbsalomThe son of King David who rebelled against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. His rebellion is a central event in this account. 3. AhithophelA highly esteemed counselor whose advice was considered almost as if one had consulted the word of God. He defected to Absalom's side during the rebellion. 4. DavidThe King of Israel, father of Absalom, and the central figure in the books of Samuel. At this time, he is fleeing from Absalom's rebellion. 5. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where Absalom has taken control and where Hushai and Ahithophel are advising him. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly CounselHushai's intervention shows the importance of seeking and discerning godly counsel. In our lives, we should seek advisors who are aligned with God's will. God's Sovereignty Over Human PlansDespite Ahithophel's wisdom, God's plan prevails. This reminds us that no matter how wise human plans may seem, God's purpose will stand. Loyalty and FaithfulnessHushai's loyalty to David, even at great personal risk, is a model of faithfulness. We are called to be loyal to God and His anointed leaders. The Consequences of RebellionAbsalom's rebellion against his father is a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of pride and ambition. We must guard our hearts against rebellion against God's authority. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hushai's response to Absalom demonstrate the importance of discernment in leadership? 2. In what ways can we ensure that the counsel we receive aligns with God's will, as seen in the contrast between Hushai and Ahithophel? 3. Reflect on a time when God's plan prevailed over human wisdom in your life. How does this reinforce your trust in His sovereignty? 4. How can Hushai's loyalty to David inspire us to be faithful in our relationships and commitments today? 5. What lessons can we learn from Absalom's rebellion about the dangers of pride and ambition, and how can we apply these lessons to avoid similar pitfalls in our own lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 15:23This verse highlights the theme of rebellion against God's anointed, which is relevant to Absalom's rebellion against David. Proverbs 19:21This verse speaks to the sovereignty of God's plans over human counsel, which is evident in the outcome of Hushai's advice over Ahithophel's. Psalm 41:9David's lament about betrayal by a close friend can be seen as a reflection of Ahithophel's betrayal. 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, Ahithophel, Ahith'ophel, Ahithophel's, Counsel, Counselled, Hushai, Idea, RepliedDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 17:7 5780 advisers 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 17:7 NIV2 Samuel 17:7 NLT2 Samuel 17:7 ESV2 Samuel 17:7 NASB2 Samuel 17:7 KJV
2 Samuel 17:7 Commentaries
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