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2 Samuel 17:1
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1 Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Now let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight.
2 I will come upon him while he is aweary and weak, and make him afraid. And all the people who are with him will flee, and I will bstrike only the king.  
3 Then I will bring back all the people to you. When all return except the man whom you seek, all the people will be at peace.”
4 And the saying pleased Absalom and all the aelders of Israel.  

The Advice of Hushai

5 Then Absalom said, “Now call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear what he asays too.”  
6 And when Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him, saying, “Ahithophel has spoken in this manner. Shall we do as he says? If not, speak up.”
7 So Hushai said to Absalom: “The advice that Ahithophel has given is not good at this time.
8 For,” said Hushai, “you know your father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are enraged in their minds, like aa bear robbed of her cubs in the field; and your father is a man of war, and will not camp with the people.  
9 Surely by now he is hidden in some pit, or in some other place. And it will be, when some of them are overthrown at the first, that whoever hears it will say, ‘There is a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.’
10 And even he who is valiant, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will amelt completely. For all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man, and those who are with him are valiant men.  
11 Therefore I advise that all Israel be fully gathered to you, afrom Dan to Beersheba, blike the sand that is by the sea for multitude, and that you go to battle in person.  
12 So we will come upon him in some place where he may be found, and we will fall on him as the dew falls on the ground. And of him and all the men who are with him there shall not be left so much as one.
13 Moreover, if he has withdrawn into a city, then all Israel shall bring ropes to that city; and we will apull it into the river, until there is not one small stone found there.”  
Commentaries:
Matthew Henry
<< 2 Samuel 16:23   2 Samuel 17:2 >>


2 Samuel 17:1-29

Ahithophel's counsel overthrown. (1-21) He hangs himself, Absalom pursues David. (22-29)

Verses 1-21 Here was a wonderful effect of Divine Providence blinding Absalom's mind and influencing his heart, that he could not rest in Ahithophel's counsel, and that he should desire Hushai's advice. But there is no contending with that God who can arm a man against himself, and destroy him by his own mistakes and passions. Ahithophel's former counsel was followed, for God intended to correct David; but his latter counsel was not followed, for God meant not to destroy him. He can overrule all counsels. Whatever wisdom or help any man employs or affords, the success is from God alone, who will not let his people perish.

Verses 22-29 Ahithophel hanged himself for vexation that his counsel was not followed. That will break a proud man's heart which will not break a humble man's sleep. He thought himself in danger, concluding, that, because his counsel was not followed, Absalom's cause would fail; and to prevent a possible public execution, he does justice upon himself. Thus the breath is stopped, and the head laid low, from which nothing could be expected but mischief. Absalom chased his father. But observe how God sometimes makes up to his people that comfort from strangers, which they are disappointed of in their own families. Our King needs not our help; but he assures us, that what we do for the least of his brethren, who are sick, poor, and destitute, shall be accepted and recompensed as if done to himself


 
<< 2 Samuel 16:23   2 Samuel 17:2 >>

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