Chapter 17

1 Ahithophel’s counsel is overthrown by Hushai’s, according to God’s appointment. 15 Secret intelligence is sent unto David. 23 Ahithophel hangeth himself. 25 Amasa is made captain. 27 David at Mahanaim is furnished with provision.

1. Twelve thousand men. Having made certain that the conspiracy would be carried to the bitter end, Ahithophel urged the necessity of taking immediate measures against David. To this end he counseled the selection of 12,000 picked men to make an instant attack. The size of the force suggested was not large, but he felt certain that David at this time would be in no condition to resist a sudden onset.

This night. Apparently the night of the day on which Absalom arrived at Jerusalem.

2. While he is weary. By this time David would barely have had time to reach the Jordan, and with his followers not yet completely organized, he would have been an easy victim for the forces of Absalom. If Ahithophel’s proposal had been followed, the men with David would doubtless have been utterly routed, and David killed. Thus Absalom would have been made secure on his throne.

Make him afraid. Ahithophel’s contention was that in making an immediate attack the army would fall on David while he was weary, unorganized, and dispirited, with the result that his men would be thrown into panic and the war would be over before it had scarcely begun.

Shall flee. In this estimate of the situation Ahithophel was undoubtedly correct. A sudden attack by night would throw them into confusion that would scatter them in all directions. In that way the losses of a pitched battle could be avoided and David might be captured and slain with practically no loss of men on either side.

3. All the people. Ahithophel was desirous of avoiding a long, drawn-out civil war. Such a conflict could be fought only at great loss to the nation. According to his suggestion he would simply go out, frighten into quick submission the people who had gone with David and bring them all back to Absalom. Then the land could be at peace and Absalom would quickly enjoy the fruits of his rebellion.

Whom thou seekest. The entire clause is obscure. It reads literally, “like the return of the whole the man whom you are seeking” (see RSV). The LXX reads, “as a bride returns to her husband: only thou seekest the life of one man.”

4. Pleased Absalom well. Ahithophel’s proposal appealed to all as logical.

5. Call now Hushai. Hushai had not been called to the council. But Absalom thought it well to secure Hushai’s view before a final decision was reached. Hushai immediately recognized that if Ahithophel’s plan were carried out, David’s cause would be lost.

7. This time. Heb. bepaФam hazzoХth, literally, “this once.” This is not a temporal phrase, as though Hushai said that the counsel was not good at this time but might be at another time. He meant, “in this instance the counsel of Ahithophel is not good.” Hushai did not wish to make it appear that he was at variance with Ahithophel and that he was purposely making a contrary proposal. He recognized the fact that Ahithophel was a wise counselor whose suggestions were usually of the highest value. In this instance, however, he ventured to suggest, Ahithophel’s counsel was not wise.

8. Thou knowest thy father. Hushai did not find himself in an easy position. It devolved upon him to endeavor to make a wise plan appear to be unwise. Thus it became necessary to turn attention from the facts and to make it appear that an entirely different situation prevailed. But the new situation would have to appear plausible. Hence he called attention to David as the famous warrior of years gone by, the kind of man that Israel loved and other nations feared. Absalom knew only too well David’s reputation for prowess and courage. The picture that Hushai set before him created in Absalom’s mind visions of a formidable foe, shrewd and alert, bold and defiant, always prepared for any eventuality.

A man of war. The argument was that David would not allow himself to be drawn into a trap. A warrior is supposed to be always on his guard, always ready to meet the foe, always anticipating the enemy’s next move and preparing to meet it. Any hope of catching David unawares ought to be abandoned. However, he was, in reality, utterly unprepared for the present situation, and both Hushai and Ahithophel knew it, but Hushai was endeavoring valiantly to cover up that fact.

9. In some pit. As had so often been the case when David fled from Saul.

Some other place. A phrase purposely vague, to suggest that many hiding places offered themselves, that David was well acquainted with these places but that his pursuers were not.

Be overthrown. In war there is always the possibility of sudden attacks and unexpected sallies, and of major or minor reverses. In the attack upon David some of Absalom’s men would certainly be slain. Among a body of newly gathered troops the danger of panic under such circumstances would be much greater than among David’s veterans. The fall of only a few men could easily grow into a report of a major defeat, with resultant terror and disaster.

10. Shall utterly melt. With the report of a major catastrophe circulating through the ranks, the hearts of even the most valiant would be gripped with fear. A sudden panic could easily ensue that would bring Absalom’s cause down in swift and utter ruin. Hushai was appealing to Absalom’s sense of fear and caution.

A mighty man. Hushai was doing his utmost to create in Absalom a wholesome sense of respect for and fear of David’s prowess. David did indeed have with him very brave and valiant warriors, and Absalom well knew his father to be a most courageous and resourceful commander. Under ordinary conditions the picture that Hushai was painting would be all too true, but these were not ordinary circumstances. Hushai was making a bid for time, to give David the opportunity to pull himself and his men together, so that they would be ready for Absalom’s attack. It is likely that Hushai knew that Absalom was not a man of courage, and in view of this he adroitly magnified the significance of the warlike prowess of David and the mighty men who were with him. His speech was skillfully adapted to engender fear in the weak but boastful son of David.

11. Therefore I counsel. Up to this point Hushai had been endeavoring to refute the counsel of Ahithophel. Now he put forth his own counterproposal. The suggestion was that they take time to muster all Israel into a great, invincible army, and that Absalom take command of this force in person. This was the kind of argument that would appeal to Absalom. Proud and vainglorious, the new king would be glad to take the field at the head of his troops, marching forth in pompous majesty, seen and admired by all, and receiving the plaudits of the entire nation. No other proposal could so successfully stir the imagination of Israel’s new king. Moreover, Hushai may also have endeavored to create a rift between Absalom and Ahithophel, by suggesting that Ahithophel was seeking his own interests and glory in his desire to command the troops (v. 1). How much more fitting and effective to have Absalom himself lead the conquering army!

12. Some place. At the present moment they did not know the exact whereabouts of David, but given time, they would discover his hiding place and make their attack. Certainty would take the place of uncertainty, and success would be assured.

As the dew falleth. The argument was that under the plan proposed by Hushai there was no possibility of failure—David would be overwhelmed by sheer weight of numbers. The forces of Absalom would be so numerous that they would fall upon the men of David and completely blot them out of existence. In Hushai’s plan there would be absolutely no risk. With the entire nation devoted to Absalom, and with only a few men still loyal to David, it would be only a question of time till complete victory had been attained. Like the innumerable drops of dew the vast numbers of Absalom’s men would descend in irresistible power upon their enemies.

13. Into a city. The objection might be raised to Hushai’s proposal that, given time, David would make his way into some fortified city where he could fearlessly defy the surrounding armies of Absalom. Hushai here skillfully appeals to the vanity and imagination of Absalom by suggesting that in such a case David would be met with the power of united Israel, and thus there would be no hope for him. Given such numbers of men, Absalom would be able to draw the city itself off its very foundations, leaving not a stone remaining. Hushai’s exaggerated language was such as to capture the imagination of the vainglorious king. He was highly flattered by the suggestion that all Israel would be on his side and would continue with him, and he was dazzled by the proposals to reveal before the nation his invincible might.

14. Is better. Hushai’s proposals were particularly calculated to appeal to the king, and he was not slow to express his complete approval. The approbation of his supporters would, of course, quickly follow. One counselor was being set against the other. Under the circumstances it was well that Hushai had been called upon to speak last; thus he could make it appear that Ahithophel was hasty and impulsive, even self-centered and perfidious, and inconsiderate of the rights of Israel’s new king.

The Lord had appointed. In his conspiracy against David, Absalom failed to reckon with God. He had able counselors and powerful supporters, and the hearts of many of the people were with him. But the nation of Israel, after all, belonged to the Lord, and it was David who had been divinely anointed as king. If he were to be deposed, God would have to be taken into the reckoning. Wise as the counsel of Ahithophel was, from a human point of view, the Lord decreed that it be brought to nought.

Bring evil upon Absalom. Without God on his side, Absalom was headed for disaster. No man can succeed as long as the powers of heaven are arrayed against him. A wisdom higher than that of men was directing in the affairs of Israel.

16. Speedily pass over. Absalom was a fickle man, and it was by no mean certain that he might not change his mind and decide, after all, to follow the counsel of Ahithophel. In such a case David would be overwhelmed if he stayed that night in the plains of the wilderness. Hushai therefore quickly sent a warning to David, advising him of his danger and urging him immediately to cross the Jordan and to make good his escape on the other side.

17. En-rogel. This was a well outside Jerusalem, at the junction of the valleys of Kidron and Hinnom, now called Job’s Well. En-rogel was a good contact point, for women constantly resorted to the well to draw water, and thus information could be relayed to the sons of the priests without attracting observation.

A wench. Heb. shiphchah, “maid,” or “maidservant.”

18. Bahurim. The place northeast of the city, where Shimei had cursed David (see on ch. 16:5).

A well. Perhaps a cistern, evidently dry.

19. Ground corn. Heb. riphoth, a word occurring only here and in Prov. 27:22, where it is translated “wheat.” The exact meaning is uncertain.

20. Brook. Heb. mikal, a word occurring only here. The meaning is uncertain. The LXX reads, “They are gone a little way beyond the water.” The woman did not deny that the pair had been there. To have done so might immediately have created suspicion. She simply indicated that they had gone on their way.

22. By the morning light. David and his men were wearied from their sudden flight and were given little opportunity for rest. That very night they were again on their way, crossing the Jordan and placing a barrier of water between themselves and the forces of Absalom (see Absalom’s Flight and Usurpation of the Kingdom). When circumstances appeared darkest, David placed his trust in God, knowing that the Lord, who had thus far sustained him, would not forsake him now. The Third Psalm portrays his reactions to this ordeal.

23. Gat him home. Ahithophel was shrewd enough to see the outcome of the course Absalom was taking. Convinced that such a course was doomed to failure, he left the court and started for his home city of Giloh (ch. 15:12), near Hebron. The rejection of his counsel he regarded as a personal slight, for he had asked for the command of the forces that were to pursue David (v. 1). Hushai had counseled that the troops should be commanded by Absalom in person (v. 11). In his deep mortification Ahithophel took his departure from the man he had befriended.

Hanged himself. Ahithophel felt certain that his doom was only a question of time. When David regained his throne Ahithophel would certainly be held responsible as a ringleader of the revolt and would be put to an ignominious death. But it was more than fear of swift reprisal that caused Ahithophel to take his life. He could not bear to see his counsel ignored and consequently took the cowardly way out. Such was the end of a man who was worldly-wise but not wise in the things of God.

Of his father. Ahithophel’s suicide did not prevent his burial in the family tomb.

24. Mahanaim. This city had been the headquarters of Ish-bosheth (ch. 2:8). It was situated at a site not yet identified, probably not far east of the Jordan, from the main districts of Israel. The same reasons that made it suitable as a capital for Ish-bosheth now made it a favorable site for David in his exile. The city was strongly fortified, and the population of the surrounding region was friendly to David. The country had abundant supplies of food and could well take care of David and his men.

Passed over Jordan. As soon as Absalom had mustered the forces of Israel he crossed the Jordan with a large army in pursuit of David. Hushai’s counsel, however, had attained its end, for David had been given time to make good his escape and establish himself in his new headquarters. In these wild, rugged regions of Transjordan the size of Absalom’s army was more of a hindrance than a help, for they were undisciplined and poorly trained. But in his rashness and inexperience. Absalom pressed on, eager for the contest with David that he hoped would give him the kingdom.

25. Amasa captain of the host. Joab had befriended Absalom and was responsible for bringing him back from his exile and restoring him to favor with David. But when Absalom revolted, Joab remained loyal, accompanying David in his flight and retaining his position as commander in chief. Amasa, a cousin of Joab, was given command of Absalom’s army.

Ithra an Israelite. Called also “Jether the Ishmeelite” (1 Chron. 2:17). “Jether” is simply another form of “Ithra”; “Israelite” is probably “Ishmeelite” misspelled.

Abigail the daughter of Nahash. According to 1 Chron. 2:16 Abigail was a sister of Zeruiah, and both were sisters of David, which suggests the conclusion that Abigail was a daughter of Jesse. But the verse before us states that she was “the daughter of Nahash.” Two explanation are possible: (1) Nahash was the wife of Jesse (though it must be admitted that “Nahash” is usually a man’s name; (2) or the term “sisters” in 1 Chron. 2:16 means half sisters, with Abigail and Zeruiah being sisters of David only through the mother, and Nahash being the mother’s husband at the time Abigail was born.

26. Gilead. A beautiful, prosperous country east of the Jordan and extending from Moab on the south to Bashan on the north. Mahanaim was somewhere within its borders, but its exact location is not known.

27. Shobi the son of Nahash. There is a possibility that “Nahash of Rabbah” was the king of Ammon who was defeated by Saul at Jabesh-gilead (1 Sam. 11:1–11; 1 Sam. 12:12), and who befriended David during his exile (2 Sam. 10:2). However, the latter may have been the son of the former. If a king of Ammon is indicated, Shobi may have been left as governor over the country after David’s overthrow of the Ammonites for the insult against the Israelite ambassadors (2 Sam. 10:1–5; 12:29–31). On the other hand, Shobi may have been simply the son of some Israelite by the name of Nahash who lived in the Ammonite city of Rabbah, or of an Ammonite commoner.

Machir the son of Ammiel. This was the man who had been the guardian of Mephibosheth, the lame son of Jonathan (see on ch. 9:4). As Machir once had shown kindness to the house of Saul, so now he showed kindness to David. David was now reaping a reward for his kindness to a descendant of the house of Saul.

Barzillai. See ch. 19:31–40. He was the ancestor, through a daughter, of a family of priests who were called the children of Barzillai (Ezra 2:61–63).

28. Beds, and basons. Presents were brought to David of such things as would make life comfortable for him and his men in exile. This is an evidence of the natural friendliness of the Israelites living across the Jordan. They had been friendly to Saul and his house, as they now were to David.

Wheat, and barley. This list of foodstuffs gives an interesting picture of the diet then in common use among the Hebrews.

Parched pulse. Roasted grain. Not mentioned here in the LXX or Syriac.

29. Honey, and butter. Gilead was famous for its cattle and herds (Num. 32:1; 1 Chron. 5:9).

Cheese of kine. Heb. shephoth baqar. Baqar means cattle, but shephoth occurs only here and its meaning is uncertain. It is thought to indicate some product from cattle, such as cream, cheese, or beef.

Ellen G. White comments

1–29PP 739–742

1–14PP 740

14–21PP 741

22, 24  PP 742