What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 17:14? Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said • After stealing “the hearts of the men of Israel” (2 Samuel 15:13), Absalom enjoys near-unanimous support in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 16:15). The phrase underscores how completely the nation has been swept up in his rebellion. • Scripture often reminds us that majority opinion does not guarantee righteousness—“You shall not follow a crowd in wrongdoing” (Exodus 23:2). • The scene illustrates the peril of siding with popular sentiment against God’s anointed king, a warning echoed when “their voices prevailed” against Jesus (Luke 23:23). “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” • Ahithophel’s counsel had a peerless reputation—“the counsel Ahithophel gave was like one who inquires of God” (2 Samuel 16:23). Militarily, his plan to strike David immediately was sound. • Hushai, secretly loyal to David (2 Samuel 15:32-37), appeals to Absalom’s ego and fear, urging a grand, delayed assault (2 Samuel 17:7-13). The rebel court swallows it. • Here human wisdom collides with divine strategy: “The foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). Trusting feelings over truth always leads astray (Proverbs 3:5-6). For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel • “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness,” David had prayed (2 Samuel 15:31). God answers by overruling the seemingly “good” tactical advice. • The verb “purposed” highlights God’s sovereign, active hand. “He thwarts the plans of the crafty” (Job 5:12); “There is no wisdom… that can succeed against the LORD” (Proverbs 21:30). • Military brilliance cannot outmaneuver divine decree. Isaiah 46:10 affirms, “My purpose will stand, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.” in order to bring disaster on Absalom. • God’s goal is justice. Nathan had foretold, “The sword shall never depart from your house” because of David’s sin (2 Samuel 12:10-12). Absalom becomes the instrument and the victim of that word. • The judgment falls swiftly: Absalom’s vanity leaves him hanging in an oak, and Joab ends his life (2 Samuel 18:9-15). “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked… you reap what you sow” (Galatians 6:7). • The episode confirms Psalm 34:16—“The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.” summary God used Hushai’s seemingly inferior plan to outflank brilliant human counsel, expose the emptiness of popular opinion, and execute righteous judgment on Absalom. The verse assures us that no scheme, majority, or strategist can overturn the Lord’s purposes. Trust His sovereignty, submit to His ordained King, and remember that rebellion—however clever—ends in disaster. |
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