2 Samuel 17:1
New International Version
Ahithophel said to Absalom, “I would choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David.

New Living Translation
Now Ahithophel urged Absalom, “Let me choose 12,000 men to start out after David tonight.

English Standard Version
Moreover, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight.

Berean Standard Bible
Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David.

King James Bible
Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:

New King James Version
Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Now let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight.

New American Standard Bible
Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Please let me choose twelve thousand men and let me set out and pursue David tonight.

NASB 1995
Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Please let me choose 12,000 men that I may arise and pursue David tonight.

NASB 1977
Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Please let me choose 12,000 men that I may arise and pursue David tonight.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Please let me choose 12,000 men that I may arise and pursue David tonight.

Amplified Bible
Then, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Please let me choose 12,000 men, and I will set out and pursue David tonight.

Christian Standard Bible
Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will set out in pursuit of David tonight.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose 12,000 men, and I will set out in pursuit of David tonight.

American Standard Version
Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:

Contemporary English Version
Ahithophel said to Absalom: Let me choose 12,000 men and attack David tonight,

English Revised Version
Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me choose 12,000 men and leave tonight to go after David.

Good News Translation
Not long after that, Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me choose twelve thousand men, and tonight I will set out after David.

International Standard Version
"Give me 12,000 men! I'll leave tonight and pursue David," Ahithophel advised Absalom.

Majority Standard Bible
Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, ?Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David.

NET Bible
Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me pick out twelve thousand men. Then I will go and pursue David this very night.

New Heart English Bible
Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me now choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David tonight.

Webster's Bible Translation
Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night;

World English Bible
Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me now choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David tonight.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Please let me choose twelve thousand men, and I arise and pursue after David tonight,

Young's Literal Translation
And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, 'Let me choose, I pray thee, twelve thousand men, and I arise and pursue after David to-night,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Ahithophel will say to Absalom, I will now choose twelve thousand men, and I will rise and pursue after David this night:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Achitophel said to Absalom: I will choose me twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Ahithophel said to Absalom: “I will choose for myself twelve thousand men, and rising up, I will pursue David this night.

New American Bible
Ahithophel went on to say to Absalom: “Let me choose twelve thousand men and be off in pursuit of David tonight.

New Revised Standard Version
Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will set out and pursue David tonight.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
MOREOVER Ahithophel said to Absalom, Let me now choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David this night;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Akhithuphel said to Abishlum: “I shall choose twelve thousand warriors and I shall arise, I shall chase after David in the night
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom: 'Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Achitophel said to Abessalom, Let me now choose out for myself twelve thousand men, and I will arise and follow after David this night:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Hushai Counters Ahithophel's Advice
1Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. 2I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king…

Cross References
2 Samuel 15:31
Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”

2 Samuel 16:23
Now in those days the advice of Ahithophel was like the consultation of the word of God. Such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice.

2 Samuel 15:12
While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.

2 Samuel 15:34
But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’

2 Samuel 16:20-21
Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me counsel. What should we do?” / Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.”

1 Kings 2:9
Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood.”

1 Kings 1:7
So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him.

1 Kings 2:22
King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Since he is my older brother, you might as well request the kingdom for him and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab son of Zeruiah!”

1 Chronicles 27:33
Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.

Psalm 41:9
Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

Psalm 55:12-14
For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. / But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.

Matthew 26:14-16
Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests / and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. / So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Matthew 26:47-50
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...

Mark 14:10-11
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted to hear this, and they promised to give him money. So Judas began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Mark 14:43-45
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him.


Treasury of Scripture

Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:

I will arise

Proverbs 1:16
For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

Proverbs 4:16
For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.

Isaiah 59:7,8
Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths…

this night

Psalm 3:3-5
But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head…

Psalm 4:8
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Psalm 109:2-4
For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue…

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Absalom Ab'salom Ahithophel Ahith'ophel Arise Choose David Furthermore Moreover Night Please Pursue Thousand Tonight Twelve
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Absalom Ab'salom Ahithophel Ahith'ophel Arise Choose David Furthermore Moreover Night Please Pursue Thousand Tonight Twelve
2 Samuel 17
1. Ahithophel's counsel is overthrown by Hushai's
15. Secret intelligence is sent unto David
23. Ahithophel hangs himself
25. Amasa is made captain
27. David at Mahanaim is furnished with provisions














Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom
Ahithophel was a renowned counselor, known for his wisdom and insight, whose advice was highly esteemed, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:23. His name in Hebrew, "אֲחִיתֹפֶל" (Achitophel), means "brother of folly," which is ironic given his reputation for wisdom. However, his counsel here is against David, God's anointed king, showing that even the wisest human counsel can be flawed when it opposes God's will. Historically, Ahithophel's betrayal of David, his former ally, reflects the deep political and personal tensions within the kingdom. Absalom, David's son, is in rebellion, and Ahithophel's support signifies a critical shift in the power dynamics of Israel.

Let me choose twelve thousand men
The number "twelve thousand" is significant, symbolizing a large, complete force, as the number twelve often represents completeness in the Bible, such as the twelve tribes of Israel. Ahithophel's proposal to select this specific number of men indicates a strategic and calculated military plan, aiming to overwhelm David with sheer numbers. This reflects the urgency and seriousness of Absalom's rebellion, as well as Ahithophel's confidence in his strategy. The choice of a large force also underscores the gravity of the threat against David, highlighting the intense opposition he faced.

and set out tonight
The urgency in Ahithophel's plan is evident in his desire to act immediately, "tonight." This reflects a common military strategy of surprise and speed, aiming to catch David off guard. The Hebrew word for "tonight" (לַיְלָה, laylah) emphasizes the immediacy and potential for secrecy under the cover of darkness. This urgency also reveals Ahithophel's understanding of the precariousness of Absalom's position; a swift victory was necessary to solidify his claim to the throne before David could regroup and counterattack.

in pursuit of David
David, the anointed king of Israel, is now a fugitive, pursued by his own son. The Hebrew root for "pursuit" (רָדַף, radaph) conveys a relentless chase, often used in contexts of hunting or warfare. This pursuit is not just a physical chase but also a spiritual and emotional one, as David faces betrayal and the threat of death from within his own family. Historically, this moment is a profound test of David's faith and leadership, as he must rely on God's protection and guidance in the face of overwhelming odds. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the trials faced by God's chosen leaders and the ultimate triumph of divine providence over human schemes.

XVII.

(1) Pursue after David this night.--Ahithophel saw clearly that Absalom's success depended on striking an immediate blow. He felt confident, and perhaps with reason, that David in his distress and weariness was in no condition to resist a sudden onset. That he was wise in his counsel is made plain by the opposition of Hushai and the anxiety to send tidings to David with all speed. "This night" is generally taken to mean the night of the day on which David left Jerusalem; but from 2Samuel 17:16 and 2Samuel 15:28 it appears that he was already encamped by the fords of the Jordan, a greater distance than he could have accomplished in one day's march.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Furthermore, Ahithophel
אֲחִיתֹ֖פֶל (’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 302: Ahithophel -- an adviser of David

said
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Absalom,
אַבְשָׁלֹ֑ם (’aḇ·šā·lōm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites

“Let me choose
אֶבְחֲרָ֣ה (’eḇ·ḥă·rāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 977: To try, select

twelve
שְׁנֵים־ (šə·nêm-)
Number - md
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

thousand
אֶ֙לֶף֙ (’e·lep̄)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 505: A thousand

men
אִ֔ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

and set out
וְאָק֛וּמָה (wə·’ā·qū·māh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

tonight
הַלָּֽיְלָה׃ (hal·lā·yə·lāh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity

in pursuit of
וְאֶרְדְּפָ֥ה (wə·’er·də·p̄āh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute

David.
דָוִ֖ד (ḏā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse


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OT History: 2 Samuel 17:1 Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom Let me (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 16:23
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