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2 Samuel 17

BSB·29 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Furthermore, Ahithophelאֲחִיתֹ֖פֶל’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el — Brother of foolishnessH302 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֥אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Absalomאַבְשָׁלֹ֑ם’aḇ·šā·lōm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study →, “Let me chooseאֶבְחֲרָ֣ה’eḇ·ḥă·rāh — To choose, select, or preferH977 — Full Word Study → twelveשְׁנֵים־šə·nêm- — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → thousandאֶ֙לֶף֙’e·lep̄ — A thousand; a large military unit or census numberH505 — Full Word Study → menאִ֔ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → and set outוְאָק֛וּמָהwə·’ā·qū·māh — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → tonightהַלָּֽיְלָה׃hal·lā·yə·lāh — Night, darkness, the period of darknessH3915 — Full Word Study → in pursuit ofוְאֶרְדְּפָ֥הwə·’er·də·p̄āh — to pursue, chase, or persecuteH7291 — Full Word Study → Davidדָוִ֖דḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study →. 2I will attack himוְאָב֣וֹאwə·’ā·ḇō·w — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → while heוְה֤וּאwə·hū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → is weakוּרְפֵ֣הū·rə·p̄êh — weak, feeble, slackH7504 — Full Word Study → and wearyיָגֵ֙עַ֙yā·ḡê·a‘ — to be weary, exhausted, or fatiguedH3023 — Full Word Study →; I will throw him into a panicוְהַֽחֲרַדְתִּ֣יwə·ha·ḥă·raḏ·tî — to tremble, quake, or shudder with fearH2729 — Full Word Study →, and allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the peopleהָעָ֣םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → with himאִתּ֑וֹ’it·tōw — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → will fleeוְנָ֖סwə·nās — to flee, escape, or run awayH5127 — Full Word Study →; I will strike downוְהִכֵּיתִ֥יwə·hik·kê·ṯî — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → onlyלְבַדּֽוֹ׃lə·ḇad·dōw — alone, apart, or bar/poleH905 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֖לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → 3and bring allכָל־ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the peopleהָעָ֖םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → backוְאָשִׁ֥יבָהwə·’ā·šî·ḇāh — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → to youאֵלֶ֑יךָ’ê·le·ḵā — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → as a brideהַכֹּ֔לhak·kōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → returning to her husbandכְּשׁ֣וּבkə·šūḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study →. Youאַתָּ֣ה’at·tāh — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → seek the lifeמְבַקֵּ֔שׁmə·ḇaq·qêš — To seek, search for, or request earnestlyH1245 — Full Word Study → of only one manהָאִישׁ֙hā·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study →; then allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the peopleהָעָ֖םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → will beיִהְיֶ֥הyih·yeh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → at peaceשָׁלֽוֹם׃šā·lō·wm — Peace, wholeness, well-being, prosperityH7965 — Full Word Study →.” 4This proposalהַדָּבָ֖רhad·dā·ḇār — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study → seemedבְּעֵינֵ֣יbə·‘ê·nê — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study → goodוַיִּישַׁ֥רway·yî·šar — to make straight; to direct; to be right or uprightH3474 — Full Word Study → to Absalomאַבְשָׁלֹ֑ם’aḇ·šā·lōm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study → and allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the eldersזִקְנֵ֥יziq·nê — An old person; an elder with authority and wisdomH2205 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃סyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →. 5Then Absalomאַבְשָׁל֔וֹם’aḇ·šā·lō·wm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙way·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Summonקְרָ֣אqə·rā — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → Hushaiלְחוּשַׁ֣יlə·ḥū·šay — Hushai the ArchiteH2365 — Full Word Study → the Architeהָאַרְכִּ֑יhā·’ar·kî — Of Arch; an ArchiteH757 — Full Word Study → as wellגַּ֖םgam — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study →, and let us hearוְנִשְׁמְעָ֥הwə·niš·mə·‘āh — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study → whatמַה־mah- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → heהֽוּא׃hū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → tooגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → has to sayבְּפִ֖יוbə·p̄îw — Mouth; lips; edge; openingH6310 — Full Word Study →.” 6So Hushaiחוּשַׁי֮ḥū·šay — Hushai the ArchiteH2365 — Full Word Study → cameוַיָּבֹ֣אway·yā·ḇō — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Absalomאַבְשָׁלוֹם֒’aḇ·šā·lō·wm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study →, who told himוַיֹּאמֶר֩way·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Ahithophelאֲחִיתֹ֔פֶל’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el — Brother of foolishnessH302 — Full Word Study → has spokenדִּבֶּ֣רdib·ber — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study → thisהַזֶּה֙haz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → proposalכַּדָּבָ֤רkad·dā·ḇār — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study →. Should we carry it outהֲנַעֲשֶׂ֖הhă·na·‘ă·śeh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →? Ifאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → notאַ֖יִן’a·yin — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study →, what do youאַתָּ֥ה’at·tāh — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → sayדַבֵּֽר׃סḏab·bêr — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study →?” 7Hushaiחוּשַׁ֖יḥū·šay — Hushai the ArchiteH2365 — Full Word Study → repliedוַיֹּ֥אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Thisהַזֹּֽאת׃haz·zōṯ — This, that; demonstrative pronounH2063 — Full Word Study → timeבַּפַּ֥עַםbap·pa·‘am — time, occasion, or instance of occurrenceH6471 — Full Word Study → the adviceהָעֵצָ֛הhā·‘ê·ṣāh — counsel, advice, or purposeH6098 — Full Word Study → of Ahithophelאֲחִיתֹ֖פֶל’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el — Brother of foolishnessH302 — Full Word Study → is notלֹֽא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → soundטוֹבָ֧הṭō·w·ḇāh — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study →.” 8He continuedוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Youאַתָּ֣ה’at·tāh — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → knowיָ֠דַעְתָּyā·ḏa‘·tā — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → your fatherאָבִ֨יךָ’ā·ḇî·ḵā — H1 — Full Word Study → and his menאֲנָשָׁ֜יו’ă·nā·šāw — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study →. They are mighty menגִבֹּרִ֣יםḡib·bō·rîm — mighty man, warrior, strong heroH1368 — Full Word Study →, and as fierceוּמָרֵ֥יū·mā·rê — Bitter; marked by anguish or grievingH4751 — Full Word Study → as a wildבַּשָּׂדֶ֑הbaś·śā·ḏeh — A field; cultivated or open landH7704 — Full Word Study → bearכְּדֹ֥בkə·ḏōḇ — Bear (animal)H1677 — Full Word Study → robbed of her cubsשַׁכּ֖וּלšak·kūl — Childless, bereaved of childrenH7909 — Full Word Study →. Moreover, your father is a manאִ֣ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → of warמִלְחָמָ֔הmil·ḥā·māh — Battle, warfare, combat, military conflictH4421 — Full Word Study → who will notוְלֹ֥אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → spend the nightיָלִ֖יןyā·lîn — to lodge, dwell, or remain (overnight or permanently)H3885 — Full Word Study → withאֶת־’eṯ- — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → the troopsהָעָֽם׃hā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →. 9Surelyהִנֵּ֨הhin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study → by nowעַתָּ֤ה‘at·tāh — Now; at the present timeH6258 — Full Word Study → heהֽוּא־hū- — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → is hidingנֶחְבָּא֙neḥ·bā — to hide, conceal, or keep secretH2244 — Full Word Study → in aבְּאַחַ֣תbə·’a·ḥaṯ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → caveהַפְּחָתִ֔יםhap·pə·ḥā·ṯîm — pit, hole, or snareH6354 — Full Word Study → orא֖וֹ’ōw — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → some otherבְּאַחַ֣דbə·’a·ḥaḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → locationהַמְּקוֹמֹ֑תham·mə·qō·w·mōṯ — A place, location, or spaceH4725 — Full Word Study →. If some of your troops fallכִּנְפֹ֤לkin·p̄ōl — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study → firstבַּתְּחִלָּ֔הbat·tə·ḥil·lāh — beginning, first occurrence, initial timeH8462 — Full Word Study →, whoever hears of it will sayוְאָמַ֔רwə·’ā·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, ‘Thereהָֽיְתָה֙hā·yə·ṯāh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → has beenוְהָיָ֗הwə·hā·yāh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → a slaughterמַגֵּפָ֔הmag·gê·p̄āh — Divine plague or stroke of judgmentH4046 — Full Word Study → among the troopsבָּעָ֕םbā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → whoאֲשֶׁ֖ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → followאַחֲרֵ֥י’a·ḥă·rê — after, behind, followingH310 — Full Word Study → Absalomאַבְשָׁלֹֽם׃’aḇ·šā·lōm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study →.’ 10Thenוְה֣וּאwə·hū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → evenגַם־ḡam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → the most valiantחַ֗יִלḥa·yil — Army, force, or wealthH2428 — Full Word Study → soldierבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → with the heartלִבּ֛וֹlib·bōw — Heart; the center of emotion, will, and intellectH3820 — Full Word Study → of a lionהָאַרְיֵ֖הhā·’ar·yêh — A lion; fierce predatorH738 — Full Word Study → will melt with fearהִמֵּ֣סhim·mês — To melt, dissolve, or lose courageH4549 — Full Word Study →, becauseכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵל֙yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → knowsיֹדֵ֤עַyō·ḏê·a‘ — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → thatכִּי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → your fatherאָבִ֔יךָ’ā·ḇî·ḵā — H1 — Full Word Study → is a mighty manגִבּ֣וֹרḡib·bō·wr — mighty man, warrior, strong heroH1368 — Full Word Study → who has valiantחַ֖יִלḥa·yil — Army, force, or wealthH2428 — Full Word Study → menוּבְנֵי־ū·ḇə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → with himאִתּֽוֹ׃’it·tōw — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study →. 11Insteadכִּ֣יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study →, I adviseיָעַ֗צְתִּיyā·‘aṣ·tî — to advise, counsel, or devise a planH3289 — Full Word Study → that allכָל־ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵל֙yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → from Danמִדָּן֙mid·dān — He judgedH1835 — Full Word Study → toוְעַד־wə·‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → Beershebaשֶׁ֔בַעše·ḇa‘ — Well of the OathH884 — Full Word Study →a multitudeלָרֹ֑בlā·rōḇ — Abundance, multitude, or great quantityH7230 — Full Word Study → like the sandכַּח֥וֹלka·ḥō·wl — Sand; fine granules of rock or mineral matterH2344 — Full Word Study → onעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → the seashoreהַיָּ֖םhay·yām — Sea, body of water; also directional (west, south)H3220 — Full Word Study →be gatheredהֵ֠אָסֹףhê·’ā·sōp̄ — to gather, assemble, collectH622 — Full Word Study → to youעָלֶ֤יךָ‘ā·le·ḵā — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study →, and that you yourselfוּפָנֶ֥יךָū·p̄ā·ne·ḵā — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → lead themהֹלְכִ֖יםhō·lə·ḵîm — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → into battleבַּקְרָֽב׃baq·rāḇ — Battle, combat, warfareH7128 — Full Word Study →. 12Then we will attackוּבָ֣אנוּū·ḇā·nū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → David whereverהַמְּקוֹמֹת֙ham·mə·qō·w·mōṯ — A place, location, or spaceH4725 — Full Word Study → we find himנִמְצָ֣אnim·ṣā — to find, discover, obtainH4672 — Full Word Study →, and weוְנַ֣חְנוּwə·naḥ·nū — We; first-person plural pronounH5168 — Full Word Study → will descendיִפֹּ֥לyip·pōl — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study → on himעָלָ֔יו‘ā·lāw — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → likeכַּאֲשֶׁ֛רka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → dewהַטַּ֖לhaṭ·ṭal — dew; moisture from the skyH2919 — Full Word Study → onעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → the groundהָאֲדָמָ֑הhā·’ă·ḏā·māh — Land, soil, ground, earthH127 — Full Word Study →. And of allוּבְכָל־ū·ḇə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the menהָאֲנָשִׁ֥יםhā·’ă·nā·šîm — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → with himאִתּ֖וֹ’it·tōw — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study →, notוְלֹֽא־wə·lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → evenגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → oneאֶחָֽד׃’e·ḥāḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → will remainנ֥וֹתַרnō·w·ṯar — to remain, be left over, excelH3498 — Full Word Study →. 13Ifוְאִם־wə·’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → he retreatsיֵֽאָסֵ֔ףyê·’ā·sêp̄ — to gather, assemble, collectH622 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → a cityעִיר֙‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study →, allכָֽל־ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֛לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → will bringוְהִשִּׂ֧יאוּwə·hiś·śî·’ū — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → ropesחֲבָלִ֑יםḥă·ḇā·lîm — Rope, cord, line; inheritance; pain, sorrowH2256 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → thatהַהִ֖יאha·hî — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → cityהָעִ֥ירhā·‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study →, and we will dragוְסָחַ֤בְנוּwə·sā·ḥaḇ·nū — to drag, pull, or draw alongH5498 — Full Word Study → itאֹתוֹ֙’ō·ṯōw — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → down toעַד־‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → the valleyהַנַּ֔חַלhan·na·ḥal — A stream or winter torrent; a narrow valleyH5158 — Full Word Study → untilעַ֛ד‘aḏ — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → notלֹא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → evenגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → a pebbleצְרֽוֹר׃פṣə·rō·wr — Bundle, bag, or small parcel; a bound or wrapped packageH6872 — Full Word Study → can be foundנִמְצָ֥אnim·ṣā — to find, discover, obtainH4672 — Full Word Study →.” 14Then Absalomאַבְשָׁלוֹם֙’aḇ·šā·lō·wm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study → and allוְכָל־wə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the menאִ֣ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “The adviceעֲצַת֙‘ă·ṣaṯ — counsel, advice, or purposeH6098 — Full Word Study → of Hushaiחוּשַׁ֣יḥū·šay — Hushai the ArchiteH2365 — Full Word Study → the Architeהָאַרְכִּ֔יhā·’ar·kî — Of Arch; an ArchiteH757 — Full Word Study → is better than that of Ahithophelאֲחִיתֹ֑פֶל’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el — Brother of foolishnessH302 — Full Word Study →.” For the LORDוַיהוָ֣הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → had purposedצִוָּ֗הṣiw·wāh — to command, order, or appoint with authorityH6680 — Full Word Study → to thwartלְהָפֵ֞רlə·hā·p̄êr — To break, violate, or frustrate; to nullify or make voidH6565 — Full Word Study → the goodהַטּוֹבָ֔הhaṭ·ṭō·w·ḇāh — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → counselעֲצַ֤ת‘ă·ṣaṯ — counsel, advice, or purposeH6098 — Full Word Study → of Ahithophelאֲחִיתֹ֙פֶל֙’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el — Brother of foolishnessH302 — Full Word Study → in order toלְבַעֲב֗וּרlə·ḇa·‘ă·ḇūr — For the sake of; because of; in order thatH5668 — Full Word Study → bringהָבִ֧יאhā·ḇî — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → disasterהָרָעָֽה׃סhā·rā·‘āh — evil, bad, harm, disasterH7451 — Full Word Study → onאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Absalomאַבְשָׁל֖וֹם’aḇ·šā·lō·wm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study →. 15So Hushaiחוּשַׁ֗יḥū·šay — Hushai the ArchiteH2365 — Full Word Study → toldוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → Zadokצָד֤וֹקṣā·ḏō·wq — The righteousH6659 — Full Word Study → and Abiatharאֶבְיָתָר֙’eḇ·yā·ṯār — Abiathar, a high priest of IsraelH54 — Full Word Study →, the priestsהַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔יםhak·kō·hă·nîm — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study →, “This is whatכָּזֹ֣אתkā·zōṯ — This, that; demonstrative pronounH2063 — Full Word Study → Ahithophelאֲחִיתֹ֙פֶל֙’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el — Brother of foolishnessH302 — Full Word Study → has advisedיָעַ֤ץyā·‘aṣ — to advise, counsel, or devise a planH3289 — Full Word Study → Absalomאַבְשָׁלֹ֔ם’aḇ·šā·lōm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study → and the eldersזִקְנֵ֣יziq·nê — An old person; an elder with authority and wisdomH2205 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →, and this is whatוְכָזֹ֥אתwə·ḵā·zōṯ — This, that; demonstrative pronounH2063 — Full Word Study → Iאָֽנִי׃’ā·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → have advisedיָעַ֥צְתִּיyā·‘aṣ·tî — to advise, counsel, or devise a planH3289 — Full Word Study →. 16Nowוְעַתָּ֡הwə·‘at·tāh — Now; at the present timeH6258 — Full Word Study → sendשִׁלְח֣וּšil·ḥū — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → quicklyמְהֵרָה֩mə·hê·rāh — Haste, speed, urgency of actionH4120 — Full Word Study → and tellוְהַגִּ֨ידוּwə·hag·gî·ḏū — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → Davidלְדָוִ֜דlə·ḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study →, ‘Do notאַל־’al- — do not; negative imperative particleH408 — Full Word Study → spendתָּ֤לֶןtā·len — to lodge, dwell, or remain (overnight or permanently)H3885 — Full Word Study → the nightהַלַּ֙יְלָה֙hal·lay·lāh — Night, darkness, the period of darknessH3915 — Full Word Study → at the fordsבְּעַֽרְב֣וֹתbə·‘ar·ḇō·wṯ — The Rift ValleyH6160 — Full Word Study → of the wildernessהַמִּדְבָּ֔רham·miḏ·bār — Desert; wilderness; pasture; speechH4057 — Full Word Study →, butוְגַ֖םwə·ḡam — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → be sure to cross overעָב֣וֹר‘ā·ḇō·wr — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study →. Otherwiseפֶּ֚ןpen — lest, that not, for fear thatH6435 — Full Word Study → the kingלַמֶּ֔לֶךְlam·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → and allוּלְכָל־ū·lə·ḵāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the peopleהָעָ֖םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → with himאִתּֽוֹ׃’it·tōw — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → will be swallowed upיְבֻלַּ֣עyə·ḇul·la‘ — to swallow, devour, consume completelyH1104 — Full Word Study →.’” 17Now Jonathanוִיהוֹנָתָ֨ןwî·hō·w·nā·ṯān — Yahweh has givenH3083 — Full Word Study → and Ahimaazוַאֲחִימַ֜עַץwa·’ă·ḥî·ma·‘aṣ — My brother is kingH290 — Full Word Study → were stayingעֹמְדִ֣ים‘ō·mə·ḏîm — to stand, take a stand, be establishedH5975 — Full Word Study → at En-rogelרֹגֵ֗לrō·ḡêl — En-rogel, a spring near JerusalemH5883 — Full Word Study →, where a servant girlהַשִּׁפְחָה֙haš·šip̄·ḥāh — Female servant or maidservant of lower statusH8198 — Full Word Study → would comeוְהָלְכָ֤הwə·hā·lə·ḵāh — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → and pass along informationוְהִגִּ֣ידָהwə·hig·gî·ḏāh — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → to them. Theyוְהֵם֙wə·hêm — They, them (masculine plural pronoun)H1992 — Full Word Study → in turn would goיֵֽלְכ֔וּyê·lə·ḵū — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → and informוְהִגִּ֖ידוּwə·hig·gî·ḏū — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → Kingלַמֶּ֣לֶךְlam·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → Davidדָּוִ֑דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study →, forכִּ֣יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → they daredיוּכְל֛וּyū·ḵə·lū — to be able, have power, endureH3201 — Full Word Study → notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → be seenלְהֵרָא֖וֹתlə·hê·rā·’ō·wṯ — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → enteringלָב֥וֹאlā·ḇō·w — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → the cityהָעִֽירָה׃hā·‘î·rāh — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study →. 18But a young manנַ֔עַרna·‘ar — Young man, boy, or male servantH5288 — Full Word Study → did seeוַיַּ֤רְאway·yar — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → themאֹתָם֙’ō·ṯām — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → and toldוַיַּגֵּ֖דway·yag·gêḏ — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → Absalomלְאַבְשָׁלֹ֑םlə·’aḇ·šā·lōm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study →. So the twoשְׁנֵיהֶ֨םšə·nê·hem — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → leftוַיֵּלְכוּ֩way·yê·lə·ḵū — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → quicklyמְהֵרָ֜הmə·hê·rāh — Haste, speed, urgency of actionH4120 — Full Word Study → and cameוַיָּבֹ֣אוּ׀way·yā·ḇō·’ū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the houseבֵּֽית־bêṯ- — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → of a manאִ֣ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → in Bahurimבְּבַחוּרִ֗יםbə·ḇa·ḥū·rîm — A village in BenjaminH980 — Full Word Study →. He had a wellבְאֵ֛רḇə·’êr — A deep hole or pit dug in the ground, typically for waterH875 — Full Word Study → in his courtyardבַּחֲצֵר֖וֹba·ḥă·ṣê·rōw — Enclosed courtyard or village settlementH2691 — Full Word Study →, and they climbed downוַיֵּ֥רְדוּway·yê·rə·ḏū — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study → into itשָֽׁם׃šām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study →. 19Then the man’s wife tookוַתִּקַּ֣חwat·tiq·qaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → a coveringהַמָּסָךְ֙ham·mā·sāḵ — covering, curtain, or tapestryH4539 — Full Word Study → and spreadוַתִּפְרֹ֤שׂwat·tip̄·rōś — to spread, stretch out, or extendH6566 — Full Word Study → it overעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → the mouthפְּנֵ֣יpə·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → of the wellהַבְּאֵ֔רhab·bə·’êr — A deep hole or pit dug in the ground, typically for waterH875 — Full Word Study →, scattering grainהָֽרִפ֑וֹתhā·ri·p̄ō·wṯ — Grain, crushed or ground grain, flourH7383 — Full Word Study → over itעָלָ֖יו‘ā·lāw — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → so nobodyוְלֹ֥אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → would knowנוֹדַ֖עnō·w·ḏa‘ — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → a thingדָּבָֽר׃dā·ḇār — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study →. 20When Absalom’sאַבְשָׁל֨וֹם’aḇ·šā·lō·wm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study → servantsעַבְדֵי֩‘aḇ·ḏê — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → cameוַיָּבֹ֣אוּway·yā·ḇō·’ū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → toאֶֽל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the womanהָאִשָּׁ֜הhā·’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → at the houseהַבַּ֗יְתָהhab·bay·ṯāh — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →, they askedוַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙way·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Whereאַיֵּ֗ה’ay·yêh — where; in what placeH346 — Full Word Study → are Ahimaazאֲחִימַ֙עַץ֙’ă·ḥî·ma·‘aṣ — My brother is kingH290 — Full Word Study → and Jonathanוִיה֣וֹנָתָ֔ןwî·hō·w·nā·ṯān — Yahweh has givenH3083 — Full Word Study →?” “They have crossed overעָבְר֖וּ‘ā·ḇə·rū — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → the brookמִיכַ֣לmî·ḵal — A small stream or brook; a seasonal watercourseH4323 — Full Word Study →,” sheהָֽאִשָּׁ֔הhā·’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → repliedוַתֹּ֤אמֶרwat·tō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →. The men searchedוַיְבַקְשׁוּ֙way·ḇaq·šū — To seek, search for, or request earnestlyH1245 — Full Word Study → but did notוְלֹ֣אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → find them, so they returnedוַיָּשֻׁ֖בוּway·yā·šu·ḇū — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → to Jerusalemיְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃סyə·rū·šā·lim — City of peaceH3389 — Full Word Study →. 21Afterאַחֲרֵ֣י’a·ḥă·rê — after, behind, followingH310 — Full Word Study → the men had gone, Ahimaaz and Jonathan climbed upוַֽיַּעֲלוּ֙way·ya·‘ă·lū — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → out of the wellמֵֽהַבְּאֵ֔רmê·hab·bə·’êr — A deep hole or pit dug in the ground, typically for waterH875 — Full Word Study → and wentוַיֵּ֣לְכ֔וּway·yê·lə·ḵū — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → to informוַיַּגִּ֖דוּway·yag·gi·ḏū — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → Kingלַמֶּ֣לֶךְlam·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → Davidדָּוִ֑דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study →, sayingוַיֹּאמְר֣וּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Get upק֣וּמוּqū·mū — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → and cross overוְעִבְר֤וּwə·‘iḇ·rū — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → the riverהַמַּ֔יִםham·ma·yim — Water; liquid; fluidsH4325 — Full Word Study → at onceמְהֵרָה֙mə·hê·rāh — Haste, speed, urgency of actionH4120 — Full Word Study →, forכִּי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → Ahithophelאֲחִיתֹֽפֶל׃’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el — Brother of foolishnessH302 — Full Word Study → has given thisכָ֛כָהḵā·ḵāh — Thus; in this manner; soH3602 — Full Word Study → adviceיָעַ֥ץyā·‘aṣ — to advise, counsel, or devise a planH3289 — Full Word Study → against youעֲלֵיכֶ֖ם‘ă·lê·ḵem — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study →.” 22So Davidדָּוִ֗דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → and allוְכָל־wə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the peopleהָעָם֙hā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → with himאִתּ֔וֹ’it·tōw — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → got upוַיָּ֣קָםway·yā·qām — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → and crossedוַיַּעַבְר֖וּway·ya·‘aḇ·rū — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּ֑ןhay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study →. Byעַד־‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → daybreakא֣וֹר’ō·wr — Light; brightness; illuminationH216 — Full Word Study →, there was noלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → oneאַחַד֙’a·ḥaḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → leftנֶעְדָּ֔רne‘·dār — To arrange in rows; to lack or failH5737 — Full Word Study → whoאֲשֶׁ֥ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → had notלֹא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → crossedעָבַ֖ר‘ā·ḇar — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃hay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study →. 23When Ahithophelוַאֲחִיתֹ֣פֶלwa·’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el — Brother of foolishnessH302 — Full Word Study → sawרָאָ֗הrā·’āh — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → thatכִּ֣יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → his adviceעֲצָתוֹ֒‘ă·ṣā·ṯōw — counsel, advice, or purposeH6098 — Full Word Study → had notלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → been followedנֶעֶשְׂתָה֮ne·‘eś·ṯāh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →, he saddledוַיַּחֲבֹ֣שׁway·ya·ḥă·ḇōš — To bind, saddle, or gird; to restrain or governH2280 — Full Word Study → his donkeyהַחֲמ֗וֹרha·ḥă·mō·wr — donkey; beast of burdenH2543 — Full Word Study → and set outוַיָּ֜קָםway·yā·qām — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → forאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → his houseבֵּיתוֹ֙bê·ṯōw — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → inאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → his hometownעִיר֔וֹ‘î·rōw — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study →. He put his affairsאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → in orderוַיְצַ֥וway·ṣaw — to command, order, or appoint with authorityH6680 — Full Word Study → and hanged himselfוַיֵּחָנַ֑קway·yê·ḥā·naq — to strangle, choke, or hang oneselfH2614 — Full Word Study →. So he diedוַיָּ֕מָתway·yā·māṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study → and was buriedוַיִּקָּבֵ֖רway·yiq·qā·ḇêr — to bury, to entomb the deadH6912 — Full Word Study → in his father’sאָבִֽיו׃ס’ā·ḇîw — H1 — Full Word Study → tombבְּקֶ֥בֶרbə·qe·ḇer — A grave or burial place; a tombH6913 — Full Word Study →. 24Then Davidוְדָוִ֖דwə·ḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → wentבָּ֣אbā — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → to Mahanaimמַחֲנָ֑יְמָהma·ḥă·nā·yə·māh — Two campsH4266 — Full Word Study →, and Absalomוְאַבְשָׁלֹ֗םwə·’aḇ·šā·lōm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study → crossedעָבַר֙‘ā·ḇar — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּ֔ןhay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study → withעִמּֽוֹ׃‘im·mōw — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → allוְכָל־wə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the menאִ֥ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֖לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →. 25Absalomאַבְשָׁלֹ֛ם’aḇ·šā·lōm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study → had appointedשָׂ֧םśām — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → Amasaעֲמָשָׂ֗א‘ă·mā·śā — My people has risenH6021 — Full Word Study → overעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → the armyהַצָּבָ֑אhaṣ·ṣā·ḇā — army, host, or organized military forceH6635 — Full Word Study → in placeתַּ֥חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → of Joabיוֹאָ֖בyō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study →. Amasaוַעֲמָשָׂ֣אwa·‘ă·mā·śā — My people has risenH6021 — Full Word Study → was the sonבֶן־ḇen- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of a manאִ֗ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → namedוּשְׁמוֹ֙ū·šə·mōw — Name; reputation; renownH8034 — Full Word Study → Ithraיִתְרָ֣אyiṯ·rā — Ithra, a man's nameH3501 — Full Word Study →, the Ishmaeliteהַיִּשְׂרְאֵלִ֔יhay·yiś·rə·’ê·lî — IshmaeliteH3481 — Full Word Study → whoאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → had marriedבָּא֙bā — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → Abigailאֲבִיגַ֣ל’ă·ḇî·ḡal — Abigail, a wise and beautiful womanH26 — Full Word Study →, the daughterבַּת־baṯ- — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study → of Nahashנָחָ֔שׁnā·ḥāš — serpent, snakeH5176 — Full Word Study → and sisterאֲח֥וֹת’ă·ḥō·wṯ — Sister; female sibling or kinswomanH269 — Full Word Study → of Zeruiahצְרוּיָ֖הṣə·rū·yāh — Zeruiah, David's sisterH6870 — Full Word Study → the motherאֵ֥ם’êm — mother; female parentH517 — Full Word Study → of Joabיוֹאָֽב׃yō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study →. 26So the Israelitesיִשְׂרָאֵל֙yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → and Absalomוְאַבְשָׁלֹ֔םwə·’aḇ·šā·lōm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study → campedוַיִּ֤חַןway·yi·ḥan — to pitch a tent; to camp; to dwellH2583 — Full Word Study → in the landאֶ֖רֶץ’e·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → of Gileadהַגִּלְעָֽד׃סhag·gil·‘āḏ — Rocky, hilly regionH1568 — Full Word Study →. 27When Davidדָוִ֖דḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → cameכְּב֥וֹאkə·ḇō·w — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → to Mahanaimמַחֲנָ֑יְמָהma·ḥă·nā·yə·māh — Two campsH4266 — Full Word Study →, he was met by Shobi sonבֶן־ḇen- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Nahashנָחָ֜שׁnā·ḥāš — serpent, snakeH5176 — Full Word Study → from Rabbahמֵרַבַּ֣תmê·rab·baṯ — The Great CityH7237 — Full Word Study → of the Ammonitesבְּנֵֽי־bə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →, Machirוּמָכִ֤ירū·mā·ḵîr — Seller, SalesmanH4353 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Ammielעַמִּיאֵל֙‘am·mî·’êl — God's peopleH5988 — Full Word Study → from Lo-debarדְבָ֔רḏə·ḇār — Lo-debar: a place of no pastureH3810 — Full Word Study →, and Barzillaiוּבַרְזִלַּ֥יū·ḇar·zil·lay — Man of ironH1271 — Full Word Study → the Gileaditeהַגִּלְעָדִ֖יhag·gil·‘ā·ḏî — A person from GileadH1569 — Full Word Study → from Rogelimמֵרֹגְלִֽים׃mê·rō·ḡə·lîm — A place in GileadH7274 — Full Word Study →. 28They brought beds, basinsוְסַפּוֹת֙wə·sap·pō·wṯ — Threshold, doorpost, or basinH5592 — Full Word Study →, and earthenיוֹצֵ֔רyō·w·ṣêr — to form, shape, fashion, or createH3335 — Full Word Study → vesselsוּכְלִ֣יū·ḵə·lî — vessel, instrument, or article of useH3627 — Full Word Study →, as well as wheatוְחִטִּ֥יםwə·ḥiṭ·ṭîm — wheat grain or wheat cropH2406 — Full Word Study →, barleyוּשְׂעֹרִ֖יםū·śə·‘ō·rîm — barley; a cereal grainH8184 — Full Word Study →, flourוְקֶ֣מַחwə·qe·maḥ — Flour or meal made from grainH7058 — Full Word Study →, roasted grainוְקָלִ֑יwə·qā·lî — parched grain, roasted cornH7039 — Full Word Study →, beansוּפ֥וֹלū·p̄ō·wl — Bean or legume plantH6321 — Full Word Study →, lentilsוַעֲדָשִׁ֖יםwa·‘ă·ḏā·šîm — lentil, a legume seedH5742 — Full Word Study →, 29honeyוּדְבַ֣שׁū·ḏə·ḇaš — honey; sweetnessH1706 — Full Word Study →, curdsוְחֶמְאָ֗הwə·ḥem·’āh — butter or curdled milkH2529 — Full Word Study →, sheepוְצֹאן֙wə·ṣōn — flock of sheep or goatsH6629 — Full Word Study →, and cheeseוּשְׁפ֣וֹתū·šə·p̄ō·wṯ — Cheese; curdsH8194 — Full Word Study → from the herdבָּקָ֔רbā·qār — cattle, herd, ox, bovine livestockH1241 — Full Word Study → for Davidלְדָוִ֛דlə·ḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → and his peopleוְלָעָ֥םwə·lā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → to eatלֶאֱכ֑וֹלle·’ĕ·ḵō·wl — to eat, consume, devourH398 — Full Word Study →. Forכִּ֣יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → they saidאָמְר֔וּ’ā·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “The peopleהָעָ֗םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → have become hungryרָעֵ֛בrā·‘êḇ — hungry, suffering from hungerH7457 — Full Word Study →, exhaustedוְעָיֵ֥ףwə·‘ā·yêp̄ — Weary, faint, exhaustedH5889 — Full Word Study →, and thirstyוְצָמֵ֖אwə·ṣā·mê — thirsty; experiencing thirstH6771 — Full Word Study → in the wildernessבַּמִּדְבָּֽר׃bam·miḏ·bār — Desert; wilderness; pasture; speechH4057 — Full Word Study →.”
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Chapter Commentary — 2 Samuel 17
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

2 Samuel 17 records the climactic moment in which God sovereignly intervenes to preserve King David's life during Absalom's rebellion. Two competing strategies are presented to the rebellious prince: Ahithophel's swift, deadly counsel and Hushai's deceptive alternative. Though Absalom chooses what appears to be the wiser course militarily, the text explicitly reveals that the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel (v. 14). This chapter demonstrates God's faithful protection of His anointed and the fatal consequences of prideful rebellion, while also showing how divine providence works through human agency and even deception for righteous purposes.

Verses 1–5: Ahithophel's Counsel

Ahithophel, David's former trusted advisor now serving Absalom, proposes a militarily sound strategy: pursue David immediately with twelve thousand men while he is exhausted and emotionally vulnerable. He promises to strike down only the king, allowing the rest of the people to return unharmed to Jerusalem. This counsel appeals to Absalom and the elders because it is practical, swift, and bloodless for the common people. Yet Absalom wisely (though unknowingly) seeks a second opinion by calling Hushai the Archite, David's spy planted in the rebellion (see 15:32–37). This creates the pivotal moment of the chapter.

Verses 6–14: Hushai's Deceptive Counter-Counsel

Hushai flatters Absalom by flatly contradicting Ahithophel, declaring his counsel "not good at this time." He appeals to Absalom's pride and military ambitions by praising David's warriors as fierce as "a bear robbed of her whelps" (v. 8) and describing David as a seasoned man of war. Hushai then proposes that Absalom gather all Israel from Dan to Beersheba—a massive, slow mobilization—and lead them personally into battle. Though strategically inferior to Ahithophel's plan, this counsel flatters the young rebel's ego and buys David crucial time to escape across the Jordan.

Verse 14 contains the theological heart of the chapter: "The LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom." Here we see divine sovereignty overruling human wisdom. God uses Hushai's deception—not to glorify the deception itself, but to accomplish His purpose of protecting His anointed king and judging the rebel.

Verses 15–22: The Warning Delivered

Hushai immediately reports the council's decision to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests still loyal to David. They relay word through Jonathan and Ahimaaz, who narrowly escape detection (vv. 17–20). A courageous unnamed woman hides the messengers in a well and deceives Absalom's servants, allowing the warning to reach David. By dawn, David and all his people have safely crossed the Jordan. Not one person was left behind—a testament to God's protection and David's decisive leadership even in flight.

Verses 23–26: The Fate of Ahithophel

Learning that his counsel was rejected, Ahithophel returns home, sets his affairs in order, and hangs himself. This tragic end reflects the despair of pride meeting defeat. Meanwhile, Absalom appoints Amasa as military commander and mobilizes his forces in Gilead, unknowingly marching toward the defeat God has already determined.

Verses 27–29: Divine Provision

As David arrives at Mahanaim, three regional leaders—Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai—bring abundant provisions: beds, food, grain, and livestock. This generous provision demonstrates that God raises up human allies to sustain His people in distress, turning the tide from fear to hope.

Application for Today

God's sovereignty over our circumstances is absolute, even when evil counsel seems reasonable or our enemies appear strong. We need not fear when we walk in God's will, for He appoints our deliverance before we see the threat. Like David, when we face impossible situations, we must trust God's timing rather than our own logic, and we can rest assured that He will provide both protection and provision through unexpected means. Are you trusting God's counsel over the world's "wisdom" today?

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