2 Samuel 17
Hushai's Counsel.This section describes the plans made by Absalom and his advisers after he took control of Jerusalem. Ahithophel wanted to attack David right away and kill only him, but Hushai, who was secretly loyal to David, gave different advice. Hushai’s plan was meant to give David time to escape and gather support. The story shows how God can use even the plans of enemies to protect his people and fulfill his purposes.v. 1-4: Ahithophel advised Absalom to attack David immediately, that very night, with a small but fast army. He said they should kill only David and bring the rest of the people back peacefully (2 Samuel 17:1-4 a). Absalom liked this idea, because it seemed quick and easy. Ahithophel’s plan was dangerous for David, but God had other plans. – – – v. 5: Before acting, Absalom decided to ask Hushai for his opinion . Even though everyone agreed with Ahithophel, God made Absalom want to hear another view. This was God’s way of protecting David. v. 6-10: Hushai disagreed with Ahithophel’s advice. He said David and his men were strong and experienced fighters, and they would be very angry and dangerous right now (2 Samuel 17:7-10 b). Hushai warned that if Absalom attacked quickly and lost, everyone would lose courage. He made David’s small group sound much more powerful than it was. – – – – v. 11-13: Hushai suggested that Absalom should gather a huge army from all Israel and lead it himself. He said that with so many people, they could easily defeat David wherever he was, even if he hid in a city (2 Samuel 17:11-13 c). This advice played to Absalom’s pride and desire for glory, but it would give David time to escape. – – v. 14: Absalom and all his advisers agreed that Hushai’s plan was better than Ahithophel’s . But the real reason was that God had decided to defeat Ahithophel’s good advice, so that Absalom would fail and David would be saved. God is in control of all plans and can turn even the wisest advice into foolishness when it suits his purpose. Information Sent to David.This section tells how David’s friends worked together to warn him about Absalom’s plans. While Absalom and his followers were busy preparing for battle, Hushai and the priests made sure David got the message in time. Their actions show the importance of loyalty, courage, and quick thinking when danger is near. God used even small and simple people to protect David and carry out His plan.v. 15: Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, everything that had happened in Absalom’s council . He wanted to make sure David knew both Ahithophel’s and his own advice, so David could act wisely and avoid danger. v. 16: Hushai urged the priests to send a message to David quickly, warning him to cross the Jordan River right away. He was afraid that Absalom might still follow Ahithophel’s plan and attack suddenly . It was wise to prepare for the worst, even if things seemed safe for the moment. v. 17: The priests’ sons, Jonathan and Ahimaaz, were chosen as messengers. Because Absalom’s men were watching the city, the young men had to hide outside Jerusalem at En-rogel, and a young woman brought them the message . God can use anyone, even a simple girl, to do important work. v. 18-19: Absalom’s spies saw the messengers, so Jonathan and Ahimaaz hid in a well at Bahurim (2 Samuel 17:18-19 d). The woman of the house covered the well with a cloth and spread grain on top, so the pursuers would not find them. Sometimes, cleverness and courage are needed to protect God’s people. – v. 20: When Absalom’s servants came looking for the messengers, the woman lied and said they had already left. The pursuers believed her and went away . While lying is wrong, God still used this situation to save David’s friends. v. 21: After the danger passed, Jonathan and Ahimaaz came out of the well and hurried to tell David everything. They advised him to cross the Jordan River quickly to escape Absalom’s army . David listened to their warning and was kept safe. In times of trouble, God can use many different people and ways to protect those who trust Him. Ahithophel's Death; Absalom's Pursuit of David.This section describes David’s escape across the Jordan River, the tragic death of Ahithophel, and Absalom’s pursuit of his father. Despite the chaos and danger, we see God’s hand protecting David and providing for him through unexpected friends. The story also reminds us of the dangers of pride and rebellion and the importance of trusting in God’s plans.v. 22-24: David and his followers crossed the Jordan River during the night, just as Hushai had advised . Remarkably, no one was lost or left behind. David then moved to Mahanaim, a city in the tribe of Gad, which became his headquarters (2 Samuel 17:24 e). This gave him time to prepare for battle and gather support. v. 23: Ahithophel, realizing that Absalom did not follow his advice, went home, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself (2 Samuel 17:23 f). His pride could not bear being ignored, and he feared that Absalom’s rebellion would fail, leaving him to face punishment for his betrayal of David. His death showed the foolishness of trusting in human wisdom and pride. As the Bible says, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom (Jeremiah 9:23 g). – v. 25-26: Absalom made Amasa, a relative of David, the commander of his army (2 Samuel 17:25 h). Amasa’s mother was Abigail, David’s sister, making him Joab’s cousin. Absalom and his forces crossed the Jordan and camped in the land of Gilead, ready to fight David (2 Samuel 17:26 i). Absalom’s ambition and hatred led him to chase his father relentlessly. – v. 27-29: In Gilead, David met unexpected kindness from Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai. They brought beds, food, and supplies for David and his men, who were tired and hungry from their long journey (2 Samuel 17:27-29 j). Shobi was an Ammonite prince, Machir had once cared for Mephibosheth, and Barzillai was a wealthy man. Their generosity showed that God can use anyone to help His people, even strangers or those from different nations. This reminds us to do good to all men, as blessings often come back to those who show kindness (Galatians 6:10 k).
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