How does 2 Samuel 17:7 demonstrate God's sovereignty over human plans? Context of 2 Samuel 17:7 • Absalom has rebelled against his father David and now rules in Jerusalem. • Ahithophel, David’s former counselor, advises a swift strike to kill David (17:1–4). • David’s friend Hushai has infiltrated Absalom’s court to counter Ahithophel’s counsel (15:32–37). • 2 Samuel 17:7: “So Hushai replied to Absalom, ‘This time the advice Ahithophel has given is not good.’” • This single sentence signals the turning point God ordained, answering David’s earlier prayer: “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness” (15:31). The Key Phrase in the Verse • “This time” —God allows Ahithophel to be right in the past, but now draws a decisive line. • “The advice… is not good” —Hushai dismisses a plan the narrator calls “good” (17:4) to human eyes. • God uses ordinary words in a royal court to redirect an entire war. God’s Sovereignty on Display • Overruling human wisdom—Ahithophel’s plan was militarily brilliant, yet God renders it useless. • Answering prayer in real time—David’s plea in 15:31 finds fulfillment through Hushai’s sentence. • Employing imperfect instruments—Hushai’s loyalty, courage, and persuasive skill become tools in God’s hand. • Directing the outcome—verse 14 states the reason: “for the LORD had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.” Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 19:21 —“Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” • Proverbs 21:30 —“No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can prevail against the LORD.” • Isaiah 14:27 —“The LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him?” • Genesis 50:20 —God turns evil intentions to good for the saving of many lives. • Acts 4:27–28 —Even the crucifixion occurred “to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose had determined.” • Ephesians 1:11 —He “works out everything according to the counsel of His will.” Takeaways for Today • God remains fully in control when opposition seems strongest. • Prayer that aligns with His purposes carries real, history-shaping power. • Human schemes, no matter how clever, cannot derail the plans of the Lord. |
    |