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2 Samuel 17

29 verses

TL;DR

Absalom receives conflicting counsel from Ahithophel and Hushai; the latter's plan saves King David, leading to Ahithophel’s death and Absalom’s defeat.

Summary

Absalom, seeking counsel to defeat his father David, first listens to Ahithophel, who proposes a ruthless, single‑shot attack. Hushai, secretly loyal to David, counters with a strategy that mobilizes all of Israel and forces David to move before nightfall, preventing Ahithophel’s plan. David follows Hushai’s advice, crossing the Jordan with all his men, while Absalom is unable to execute his scheme. Ahithophel’s counsel fails, he takes his own life, and Absalom’s rebellion is weakened. Absalom changes the army’s commander to Amasa, and both sides camp in Gilead; provisions are supplied to David’s army from neighboring peoples. The chapter illustrates the dangers of rash counsel, the importance of loyalty, and the role of divine intervention in human affairs.

Outline
  1. Absalom hears Ahithophel’s aggressive plan for David’s downfall
  2. Hushai provides a counter‑strategy that protects David and undermines Absalom’s forces
  3. David follows Hushai’s counsel, crossing Jordan before night
  4. Ahithophel’s plan collapses; he commits suicide
  5. Absalom reorganizes his army and camps in Gilead; supplies arrive
Themes
Betrayal and loyaltyThe power of counsel and strategyDivine intervention in human conflict
Keywords
counselAbsalomAhithophelHushaiDavidJordancrossingbetrayalloyaltywar
People
AbsalomDavidAhithophelHushaiJonathanAhimaazZadokAbiatharAmasaJoabJerahShobiMachirBarzillai
Places
JerusalemMahanaimGileadJordanBahurimRabbahRogelimRohil
Things
counselwellropecityfood suppliescrossing the Jordan
Key Verses
  • 2 Samuel 17:1: Begins the conflict of counsel and sets the stage for the chapter’s tension.
  • 2 Samuel 17:6: Hushai’s decisive counter‑counsel highlights loyalty and strategic foresight.
  • 2 Samuel 17:16: Directs David’s escape, turning the tide against Absalom.
  • 2 Samuel 17:23: Shows the tragic end of Ahithophel and the collapse of Absalom’s plan.
Questions
  • What does the conflict between Ahithophel’s and Hushai’s counsel reveal about decision‑making in times of crisis?
  • How does the narrative demonstrate the role of divine providence versus human agency?
  • In what ways do loyalty and betrayal shape the outcomes of the rebellion?
  • What ethical considerations arise from Hushai’s deceptive strategy?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains both triumph and tragedy, with victory for David offset by Ahithophel’s suicide.