What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 17:17? Jonathan and Ahimaaz at En-rogel “Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel…” • Jonathan (son of Abiathar) and Ahimaaz (son of Zadok) are exactly where David assigned them when he fled Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:27, 36). • En-rogel, a spring just outside the city, provides water, cover, and quick access to the road east toward the Jordan where David is camping (2 Samuel 17:22). • Their obedience places them in the right spot to serve their exiled king—an echo of other loyal servants who remain strategically positioned amid danger, such as Obadiah in Ahab’s court (1 Kings 18:3-4). The Servant Girl’s Role “…where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them.” • Hushai’s counsel inside the palace (2 Samuel 17:15-16) funnels through Zadok and Abiathar, then to this unnamed girl, then to the young men. • God often uses seemingly insignificant people—like the servant girl here, Rahab in Jericho (Joshua 2:1-4), or Naaman’s slave girl (2 Kings 5:2-3)—to pivot history. • Her anonymity protects her and underscores that the mission’s success depends on faithful service more than public acclaim (Matthew 6:3-4). Passing the Message to David “They in turn would go and inform King David…” • Jonathan and Ahimaaz become living links between the city and David’s camp, acting as trustworthy messengers much like the spies Moses sent (Numbers 13:17-20) or the disciples Christ later sends out two by two (Luke 10:1). • Their relay secures David’s safety; once he hears Hushai’s warning, he immediately crosses the Jordan (2 Samuel 17:21-22). • The episode affirms Proverbs 11:13—“a trustworthy person keeps a confidence”—while showing that God preserves His anointed through human agency. Avoiding Detection “…for they dared not be seen entering the city.” • Absalom’s coup has turned Jerusalem into enemy territory; entering would risk both exposure and death (2 Samuel 17:20). • Prudence complements faith. David’s supporters act “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). • Their caution mirrors earlier episodes where David himself practiced wisdom under threat—feigning madness before Achish (1 Samuel 21:12-15) and hiding in caves (1 Samuel 24:1-3). • God’s people often need sanctified stealth when righteousness is under assault (Hebrews 11:23 regarding Moses’ parents hiding him). summary 2 Samuel 17:17 records a covert communication chain engineered by David, executed by Jonathan and Ahimaaz, and aided by an unnamed servant girl. Stationed at En-rogel, the young men receive intelligence, relay it to David, and stay out of hostile Jerusalem to protect the mission. The verse illustrates loyal obedience, the value of every servant in God’s plan, and the blend of faith and prudence God employs to safeguard His chosen king. |
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