2 Samuel 17

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 17 of 24

1 And Ahithophel said to Absalom, Please let me choose twelve thousand men, and I shall rise up and pursue David tonight.

2 And I shall come on him, and he shall be weary and feeble handed. And I will make him tremble, and the people with him shall flee. And I shall strike the king by himself.

3 And I shall turn all the people back to you when all return, except the man whom you are seeking. All the people shall be in peace.

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Chapter Summary

Ahithophel's advice is overthrown by Hushai's. Secret intelligence sent to David. Ahithophel hangs himself. Amasa is made commander.

Key Hebrew Words

עֵצָה counsel, advice H6098 · TWOT 887a
יָעַץ to counsel, advise H3289 · TWOT 887
פָּרַר to frustrate, break down H6565 · TWOT 1829
רָדַף to pursue H7291 · TWOT 2124
גִּבּוֹר mighty man, warrior H1368 · TWOT 310b
טוֹבָה good (counsel) H2896 · TWOT 793c

People & Context

Ahithophel

Absalom's counselor whose advice is rejected; he goes home and hangs himself

Hushai

The Archite who gives counter-counsel to defeat Ahithophel's plan and warn David

Absalom

Rebel king who chooses Hushai's counsel over Ahithophel's, sealing his doom

David

Fleeing king warned in time; crosses the Jordan and is provisioned at Mahanaim

Ahimaaz

Son of Zadok who, with Jonathan, carries Hushai's warning to David from En-rogel

Jonathan

Son of Abiathar who relays the secret intelligence to David alongside Ahimaaz

Timeline

Ahithophel's Counsel Countered

Ahithophel advises attacking David immediately with 12,000 men. Absalom asks Hushai, who argues against it, advising them to gather all Israel first. Absalom prefers Hushai's plan.

2 Samuel 17:1-14
Spies Warn David

Hushai sends Zadok and Abiathar to warn David. Their sons Jonathan and Ahimaaz are spotted and hide in a well in Bahurim, but escape to deliver the message to David.

2 Samuel 17:15-21
David Crosses the Jordan

Upon receiving the warning, David and all the people with him cross the Jordan river before morning.

2 Samuel 17:22

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