2Sa 17:1 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 2Sam 17:1-14: 17:1-14 Ahithophel proposed a quick surprise strike against David with a small force ( 12,000 men , 17:1 ), which would give David no time to organize and fight back. Then David’s double-agent Hushai suggested taking more time to mobilize the entire army of Israel (17:11 ). This plan would supposedly give them an insurmountable numerical advantage and prevent David from engaging in guerilla tactics. Because the Lord was working against Absalom, he rejected Ahithophel’s good strategy and accepted Hushai’s bad advice (17:14 ; cp. 1 Kgs 12:1-15 ).

a17:1-14►

e1 Kgs 12:1-15►

‏ 2 Samuel 17:1

Summary for 2Sam 17:1-14: 17:1-14 ^a Ahithophel proposed a quick surprise strike against David with a small force (12,000 men, 17:1 ^b), which would give David no time to organize and fight back. Then David’s double-agent Hushai suggested taking more time to mobilize the entire army of Israel (17:11 ^c). This plan would supposedly give them an insurmountable numerical advantage and prevent David from engaging in guerilla tactics. Because the Lord was working against Absalom, he rejected Ahithophel’s good strategy and accepted Hushai’s bad advice (17:14 ^d; cp. 1 Kgs 12:1-15 ^e).