2 Samuel 17:1-14
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).17:3 f as a bride ... you seek: The Hebrew text has the loyalty of all the people depend on the death of David. The Greek version pictures a young wife who returns to her husband after a short quarrel.
17:11 g The nationwide military conscription from ... Dan to Beersheba (the northern and southern limits of Israel) was intended to produce an overwhelmingly superior fighting force.
17:14 h Ahithophel’s strategy was actually better. However, Hushai had the psychological and rhetorical advantage as well as the Lord’s purpose, so he won Absalom’s favor.
• the Lord had determined to defeat: Despite early advances, Absalom’s power grab was doomed from the start.
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