What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 17:7? Hushai replied • Hushai the Archite was a trusted friend of King David who had entered Absalom’s court as a covert ally of the true king (2 Samuel 15:32–37). • By responding immediately, he positions himself as a loyal supporter of Absalom, winning the prince’s ear without arousing suspicion. • In this single word, “replied,” we see God’s providence at work; David had prayed that Ahithophel’s counsel would be turned to foolishness (2 Samuel 15:31), and Hushai is the instrument God uses to answer that prayer (cf. Proverbs 16:9). This time • Hushai does not attack Ahithophel’s overall reputation. He concedes that the counselor’s past advice has usually been wise—a shrewd move that preserves credibility. • By narrowing his objection to the present suggestion, he subtly plants doubt in Absalom’s mind while avoiding a direct confrontation. • Scripture often shows faithful servants choosing words carefully to influence rulers for good (Esther 4:14; Daniel 2:14). The advice of Ahithophel • Ahithophel had urged a rapid strike against David with twelve thousand men that very night (2 Samuel 17:1–4). • His counsel seemed militarily sound and pleased Absalom, underscoring the weight his words carried (cf. 2 Samuel 16:23, where his advice is said to have been “as if one inquired of the word of God”). • The narrative reminds us that human wisdom, no matter how highly esteemed, can be overturned when it opposes God’s purposes (1 Corinthians 1:19). Is not sound • Hushai boldly declares, “This time the advice of Ahithophel is not sound” (2 Samuel 17:7). • He then offers an alternative that plays on Absalom’s fears and vanity—gathering all Israel and leading the attack himself (2 Samuel 17:11–12). • God sovereignly orchestrates this moment so that “the LORD had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom” (2 Samuel 17:14). • Key takeaways: – Discernment: Not all counsel, even from trusted sources, aligns with God’s will (Proverbs 19:21). – Courage: Speaking truth at the right moment can alter the course of history (Acts 4:19–20). – Sovereignty: God actively works through human decisions to fulfill His righteous plan (Romans 8:28). summary 2 Samuel 17:7 captures the pivotal instant when Hushai, guided by God, overturns Ahithophel’s seemingly flawless battle plan. By tempering his challenge with respect and precision, Hushai gains Absalom’s trust, delays the pursuit of David, and sets the stage for the rebellion’s downfall. The verse highlights the limits of human wisdom, the necessity of godly discernment, and the unwavering faithfulness of the Lord to protect His anointed. |
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