A Tale of Two Counsels: Hushai Frustrates Ahithophel's Advice

2 Samuel 17 is a vivid testament to the God-ordained interplay of human choice and divine intervention. Despite treachery and looming danger, God's sovereign hand guides events towards the protection of His anointed, David. The chapter stands as a stark reminder that trust in God, even amidst adversity, assures the ultimate triumph of His purposes.

Verses 1-4: Ahithophel's Advice

Ahithophel, known for his wisdom, advises Absalom to let him pursue David with twelve thousand men. Ahithophel's plan is to strike while David is weak and fearful, thereby inciting terror and causing David's followers to flee.

Verses 5-14: Hushai Counters Ahithophel's Advice

Absalom seeks a second opinion from Hushai, David's loyal friend who is pretending to support Absalom. Hushai skillfully advises against Ahithophel's plan, suggesting that David and his men are too fierce and experienced. Instead, Hushai proposes that Absalom amass a larger force from all of Israel to ensure victory. Absalom and the elders find Hushai's advice more appealing, which aligns with God's plan to bring disaster on Absalom.

Verses 15-22: Hushai's Warning to David

Hushai sends a message to David through priests' sons, Jonathan and Ahimaaz, warning him about Absalom's plans. The two young men narrowly escape detection by hiding in a well in Bahurim, thanks to a quick-thinking woman who diverts Absalom's soldiers.

Verses 23-29: Ahithophel's Death and David's Safety

Seeing his advice rejected, Ahithophel hangs himself. Meanwhile, David and his men cross the Jordan safely, and provisions are brought to the weary troops, ensuring they lack nothing.

Chapter 17 of 2 Samuel is a riveting account of strategic war counsel and divine intervention. This dramatic chapter unfolds as Ahithophel and Hushai provide contrasting advice to Absalom, David's son, who has usurped the throne. As the narrative progresses, we see a thrilling sequence of events where God's providence, human cunning, and desperate actions intertwine, leaving readers on the edge of their seat.

1. Wisdom and Deception
2. Divine Intervention
3. Treachery and Betrayal
4. Fear and Desperation
5. Faith in God's Providence1. Counsel and Decision-making
2. Strategic Warfare
3. Spies and Messengers
4. Suicide
5. Prayer and Trust in God1. Ahithophel
2. Hushai
3. David
4. Absalom
5. Jonathan and Ahimaaz
6. A woman in Bahurim1. Jerusalem
2. Hebron
3. Jordan River
4. En Rogel
5. Bahurim

1. Compare and contrast Ahithophel's and Hushai's counsel. How does their advice reflect their characters and loyalties?

2. How can you see God's providence at work in this chapter? Identify specific instances.

3. How do the decisions made by Ahithophel and Hushai reflect on their understanding of leadership and power?

4. How does Absalom evaluate the advice he receives? What does this tell us about his character?

5. Ahithophel commits suicide when his advice is not taken. What does this tell us about his character and his faith in God?

6. How can we trust in God's providence in our own lives, especially when facing adversarial situations?

7. What can we learn from David's trust in God despite being pursued by his own son?

8. In today's world, how can we discern when to follow certain advice or reject it?

9. What practical lessons can we draw from the woman in Bahurim's act of quick thinking and bravery?

10. What does this chapter teach us about the consequences of our choices and actions?

11. How does this chapter inform our understanding of justice and mercy in the Biblical context?

12. How would you respond to a situation where someone used deceit for a good cause, similar to Hushai's strategy?

13. What does the provision for David's troops teach us about community support in times of crisis?

14. In the face of seemingly overwhelming opposition, how can we cultivate a heart like David's, trusting in God's deliverance?

15. How does Hushai's loyalty to David inspire you to loyalty in your relationships?

16. How does this chapter speak to the Christian understanding of divine justice?

17. How can we apply the principle of "waiting on the Lord's deliverance" in our own lives?

18. What steps can we take to make wise decisions when we receive conflicting advice, as Absalom did?

19. How does this chapter challenge our understanding of life's trials and God's providence?

20. How can the story of 2 Samuel 17 inspire our prayers in times of personal crisis?