Surely by now he is hiding in a cave or some other location. If some of your troops fall first, whoever hears of it will say, 'There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom.' BeholdThe Hebrew word for "behold" is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which serves as an attention-grabbing term, urging the listener or reader to pay close attention to what follows. In the context of this verse, it emphasizes the urgency and importance of the information being conveyed. It is a call to awareness, suggesting that the situation is critical and requires immediate consideration. he is now hiding
The phrase "he is now hiding" refers to David's strategic retreat. The Hebrew root "חָבָא" (chaba) means to hide or conceal. This reflects David's tactical acumen, as he often used the terrain to his advantage. Historically, David was known for his guerrilla warfare tactics, which involved using the natural landscape for protection and surprise attacks. This phrase underscores David's wisdom and experience in evading capture and preparing for counterattacks. in one of the caves
Caves in ancient Israel were natural fortresses and places of refuge. The Judean wilderness, where David often sought refuge, is dotted with numerous caves. These natural formations provided shelter and strategic advantage. The mention of caves highlights the rugged and challenging terrain of the region, which David used to his benefit. It also symbolizes a place of divine protection, as God often provided refuge for His anointed in times of trouble. or some other place
This phrase suggests uncertainty and the difficulty in pinpointing David's exact location. The Hebrew word "מָקוֹם" (maqom) means place or location. It reflects the elusive nature of David's movements, making it challenging for his enemies to track him. This uncertainty would have been a source of anxiety for Absalom's forces, as it made David's next move unpredictable. If he attacks your troops first
The conditional "if" introduces a potential scenario, emphasizing the element of surprise in warfare. The Hebrew root "פָּגַע" (paga) means to meet or encounter, often with hostile intent. This phrase highlights the tactical advantage of a preemptive strike, which could demoralize Absalom's forces. It underscores the importance of initiative in battle, a principle that David understood well. whoever hears of it will say
This phrase indicates the spread of news and the impact of reputation in warfare. The Hebrew root "שָׁמַע" (shama) means to hear or listen. In ancient times, news traveled quickly by word of mouth, and the morale of troops could be significantly affected by reports of victory or defeat. This phrase underscores the psychological aspect of warfare, where perception can influence the outcome as much as actual events. There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom
The word "slaughter" comes from the Hebrew "מַכָּה" (makkah), meaning a blow or defeat. This phrase paints a vivid picture of the potential devastation that could befall Absalom's forces. It serves as a warning of the consequences of underestimating David. Historically, David's men were seasoned warriors, and a surprise attack could indeed lead to a significant defeat for Absalom. This phrase highlights the stakes involved and the potential for a decisive turning point in the conflict. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, currently in a precarious position due to his son Absalom's rebellion. 2. AbsalomDavid's son, who has usurped the throne and is seeking to solidify his power by pursuing David. 3. HushaiDavid's loyal friend and spy, who provides counsel to Absalom to counteract Ahithophel's advice. 4. AhithophelA former counselor of David who has defected to Absalom, known for his wise counsel. 5. CavesNatural hiding places in the rugged terrain of Israel, often used for refuge and strategic advantage. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsDespite human plans and counsel, God's purposes prevail. David's situation reminds us that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire. The Importance of Wise CounselHushai's role highlights the value of having godly and wise advisors. Seek counsel that aligns with biblical principles. Trust in God's ProtectionLike David, we can trust God to be our refuge and strength, even when we are "hiding in caves" of life's challenges. The Consequences of RebellionAbsalom's rebellion against his father serves as a warning about the destructive nature of pride and ambition. The Power of PrayerIn times of distress, turning to God in prayer, as David often did, is crucial for guidance and peace. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's experience of hiding in caves reflect his relationship with God, and how can we apply this to our own times of trouble? 2. In what ways does the counsel of Hushai demonstrate the importance of seeking godly wisdom in our decision-making? 3. How can we see God's sovereignty at work in the events of 2 Samuel 17, and how does this encourage us in our own lives? 4. What lessons can we learn from Absalom's rebellion about the dangers of pride and the importance of humility? 5. How can we incorporate prayer into our daily lives as a means of seeking God's protection and guidance, as David did? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 57David's prayer for protection when he fled from Saul into a cave, illustrating his reliance on God during times of hiding. 1 Samuel 24David's previous experience hiding in a cave from Saul, showing a pattern of seeking refuge in God during times of danger. Proverbs 21:30The futility of human wisdom against God's plans, relevant to the counsel given by Hushai and Ahithophel. 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, Absalom's, Attack, Behold, Cave, Caves, Certainly, Commencement, Cover, Destruction, Fall, Fallen, Falling, Falls, Follow, Hearer, Heareth, Hearing, Hears, Hid, Hidden, Hole, Overcome, Overthrown, Pass, Pit, Pits, Places, Secret, Slaughter, TroopsDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 17:9 4218 cave 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 17:9 NIV2 Samuel 17:9 NLT2 Samuel 17:9 ESV2 Samuel 17:9 NASB2 Samuel 17:9 KJV
2 Samuel 17:9 Commentaries
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