If he retreats to a city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not even a pebble can be found." If he retreats to a cityThis phrase refers to Absalom's pursuit of David, who is fleeing from his son’s rebellion. The context is a strategic discussion on how to capture David. Cities in ancient Israel were often fortified, providing refuge and protection. The idea of retreating to a city suggests seeking safety behind walls, a common military tactic. This reflects the historical context of warfare in the ancient Near East, where cities served as strongholds. all Israel will bring ropes to that city
The phrase "all Israel" indicates a united effort, emphasizing the collective action of the nation against David. This hyperbolic expression suggests overwhelming force and determination. Ropes were used in siege warfare to pull down walls or gates, symbolizing the complete destruction of the city’s defenses. This imagery underscores the seriousness of the threat against David and the extent of Absalom's rebellion. and we will drag it down to the valley
The valley represents a place of defeat and humiliation. In biblical symbolism, valleys often denote low points or places of judgment. The act of dragging a city down to the valley signifies total conquest and subjugation. This reflects the cultural understanding of victory in battle, where the defeated are brought low. It also foreshadows the ultimate failure of Absalom’s rebellion, as God’s plans for David prevail. until not even a pebble can be found there.
This phrase emphasizes complete and utter destruction, leaving no trace of the city. It reflects the thoroughness of the intended siege and the finality of the judgment against David’s refuge. Biblically, such total destruction is reminiscent of divine judgment, as seen in the destruction of cities like Jericho. It also serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty, as human plans are ultimately subject to His will. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom's rebellion. 2. AbsalomDavid's son, who has declared himself king and is seeking to overthrow David. 3. Hushai the ArchiteA friend of David who acts as a spy and counselor to Absalom, providing advice to counter Ahithophel's counsel. 4. AhithophelA former counselor of David who has defected to Absalom and is known for his wise counsel. 5. IsraelThe nation, which is divided in its loyalty between David and Absalom. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsDespite human plans and schemes, God's purposes will prevail. Hushai's advice, though seemingly less strategic, was used by God to protect David. The Power of Wise CounselThe importance of seeking and discerning wise counsel is evident. Hushai's intervention shows how God can use individuals to influence outcomes according to His will. The Consequences of RebellionAbsalom's rebellion against his father, the anointed king, serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and ambition that oppose God's order. Trust in God's DeliveranceDavid's reliance on God during this crisis is a model of faith under pressure. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's deliverance in times of trouble. Unity and DivisionThe division within Israel highlights the destructive nature of internal conflict. Unity under God's leadership is essential for the well-being of His people. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Absalom's rebellion and Hushai's counsel illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty over human plans? 2. In what ways can we seek and discern wise counsel in our own lives, and how does this account inform that process? 3. What are the dangers of pride and ambition as seen in Absalom's actions, and how can we guard against these in our spiritual walk? 4. How does David's response to his circumstances in 2 Samuel 17 encourage us to trust in God's deliverance during our own trials? 5. What lessons can we learn about the importance of unity within the body of Christ from the division seen in Israel during Absalom's rebellion? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 3David's prayer during his flight from Absalom, expressing trust in God's deliverance. Proverbs 21:30Highlights that no wisdom, understanding, or counsel can prevail against the Lord, reflecting the futility of Ahithophel's plans against God's anointed. 1 Kings 1:5-53The account of Adonijah's rebellion, which parallels Absalom's attempt to usurp the throne, showing the recurring theme of challenges to God's chosen leaders. People Abiathar, Abigail, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Ahithophel, Amasa, Ammiel, Ammonites, Arkite, Barzillai, Dan, David, Hushai, Ithra, Jesse, Jether, Joab, Jonathan, Machir, Nahash, Shobi, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces Bahurim, Beersheba, Dan, En-rogel, Gilead, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Lo-debar, Mahanaim, Rabbah, RogelimTopics Bear, Bring, Brook, Caused, Cords, Drag, Draw, Drawn, Entered, Gathered, Gotten, Isn't, Moreover, Pebble, Piece, Pulled, River, Ropes, Stone, Strong, Till, Torrent, Town, Valley, Withdraw, WithdrawsDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 17:13 5507 rope and cord 2 Samuel 17:1-16 5779 advice Library "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39
And no wonder, for David could appreciate a real man when he saw him, and so does David's Lord. I.--LOYALTY IS PRECIOUS TO THE KING OF KINGS. In the days when the son of Jesse had but few friends, it was a precious thing to be treated in the style Barzillai and his neighbours entertained him (see 2 Sam. xvii. 27-29). They were rich farmers, and had land which brought forth with abundance, so were able to act with princely hospitality to the fugitive monarch. But plenty may live with avarice, and …
Thomas Champness—Broken BreadThe Nations of the South-East
Israel was cut in two by the Jordan. The districts east of the Jordan were those that had first been conquered; it was from thence that the followers of Joshua had gone forth to possess themselves of Canaan. But this division of the territory was a source of weakness. The interests of the tribes on the two sides of the river were never quite the same; at times indeed they were violently antagonistic. When the disruption of the monarchy came after the death of Solomon, Judah was the stronger for the …
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Continued.
In addition to the psalms already considered, which are devoted to the devout contemplation of nature, and stand in close connection with David's early days, there still remains one universally admitted to be his. The twenty-ninth psalm, like both the preceding, has to do with the glory of God as revealed in the heavens, and with earth only as the recipient of skyey influences; but while these breathed the profoundest tranquillity, as they watched the silent splendour of the sun, and the peace of …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David David and Jonathan's Son
'And David said, is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? 2. And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. 3. And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. 4. And the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Mr. John Bunyan's Dying Sayings.
OF SIN. Sin is the great block and bar to our happiness, the procurer of all miseries to man, both here and hereafter: take away sin and nothing can hurt us: for death, temporal, spiritual, and eternal, is the wages of it. Sin, and man for sin, is the object of the wrath of God. How dreadful, therefore, must his case be who continues in sin! For who can bear or grapple with the wrath of God? No sin against God can be little, because it is against the great God of heaven and earth; but if the sinner …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Letter xxxvi (Circa A. D. 1131) to the Same Hildebert, who had not yet Acknowledged the Lord Innocent as Pope.
To the Same Hildebert, Who Had Not Yet Acknowledged the Lord Innocent as Pope. He exhorts him to recognise Innocent, now an exile in France, owing to the schism of Peter Leonis, as the rightful Pontiff. To the great prelate, most exalted in renown, Hildebert, by the grace of God Archbishop of Tours, Bernard, called Abbot of Clairvaux, sends greeting, and prays that he may walk in the Spirit, and spiritually discern all things. 1. To address you in the words of the prophet, Consolation is hid from …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C.
TIGLATH-PILESER III. AND THE ORGANISATION OF THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE FROM 745 to 722 B.C. FAILURE OF URARTU AND RE-CONQUEST Of SYRIA--EGYPT AGAIN UNITED UNDER ETHIOPIAN AUSPICES--PIONKHI--THE DOWNFALL OF DAMASCUS, OF BABYLON, AND OF ISRAEL. Assyria and its neighbours at the accession of Tiglath-pileser III.: progress of the Aramaeans in the basin of the Middle Tigris--Urartu and its expansion into the north of Syria--Damascus and Israel--Vengeance of Israel on Damascus--Jeroboam II.--Civilisation …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 17:13 NIV2 Samuel 17:13 NLT2 Samuel 17:13 ESV2 Samuel 17:13 NASB2 Samuel 17:13 KJV
2 Samuel 17:13 Commentaries
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