Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, "The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel." For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said,This phrase sets the scene with Absalom, David's son, who has usurped the throne. The "men of Israel" refers to the leaders and elders who supported Absalom's rebellion. This moment is critical as it reflects the collective decision-making process during a time of political upheaval. The unity in their statement indicates a temporary consensus among Absalom's followers, highlighting the tension between loyalty to David and the allure of Absalom's charisma. “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.”
Hushai the Archite was a loyal friend of David who infiltrated Absalom's court to act as a spy. His advice was strategically designed to counter Ahithophel, who was known for his wise counsel. Ahithophel's advice was typically regarded as if one had inquired of the word of God, indicating his high reputation. The preference for Hushai's counsel over Ahithophel's marks a pivotal moment, as it reflects divine intervention in the political affairs of Israel. This decision would ultimately lead to Absalom's downfall, showcasing the sovereignty of God over human plans. For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel
This phrase reveals the divine orchestration behind the events. Despite Ahithophel's reputation for giving sound advice, the LORD intervened to ensure that his counsel would not be followed. This demonstrates the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and His ability to influence human decisions to fulfill His purposes. It echoes Proverbs 19:21, which states, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails." The thwarting of Ahithophel's counsel serves as a reminder that God's plans are ultimately unstoppable. in order to bring disaster on Absalom.
The disaster refers to the eventual defeat and death of Absalom, which was a consequence of his rebellion against his father, King David. This outcome fulfills the judgment pronounced by Nathan the prophet in 2 Samuel 12:10-12, where God declared that calamity would arise from David's own household as a result of his sin with Bathsheba. Absalom's rebellion and its tragic end serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. This also typologically points to the ultimate triumph of God's anointed king, prefiguring the victory of Jesus Christ over all rebellion and sin. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbsalomThe son of King David who rebelled against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. 2. Hushai the ArchiteA loyal friend and advisor to King David who infiltrated Absalom's court to counteract the counsel of Ahithophel. 3. AhithophelA highly esteemed counselor whose advice was considered almost as if one had consulted the word of God. He initially sided with Absalom during the rebellion. 4. The LORDThe sovereign God of Israel, who intervenes in the affairs of men to fulfill His divine purposes. 5. IsraelThe nation over which David was king and which Absalom sought to rule through rebellion. Teaching Points Divine SovereigntyGod's plans will always prevail, even when human wisdom seems insurmountable. Trust in His ultimate control over all situations. Loyalty and WisdomHushai's loyalty to David and his wise counsel demonstrate the importance of faithfulness and discernment in serving God's purposes. The Futility of RebellionAbsalom's rebellion against God's anointed king serves as a warning against opposing God's established order. God's ProtectionJust as God protected David through Hushai's counsel, He provides protection and guidance to those who seek Him. The Consequences of PrideAbsalom's downfall is a reminder of the dangers of pride and ambition that are not aligned with God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Hushai and Ahithophel illustrate the concept of divine intervention in human affairs? 2. In what ways can we seek to discern God's will in situations where we face conflicting advice or counsel? 3. How does Absalom's rebellion against David reflect the broader theme of rebellion against God's authority in our own lives? 4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate loyalty and wisdom in our relationships and responsibilities? 5. How can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty in 2 Samuel 17:14 to our current life challenges and decisions? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 19:21This verse highlights that many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails, echoing the divine intervention seen in 2 Samuel 17:14. Romans 8:28This passage speaks to God's ability to work all things for the good of those who love Him, similar to how God used Hushai's counsel to protect David. Isaiah 14:27This verse emphasizes that when the LORD has purposed something, no one can thwart it, paralleling the thwarting of Ahithophel's counsel. 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 Absalom, Ab'salom, Advice, Ahithophel, Ahith'ophel, Appointed, Archite, Arkite, Better, Bring, Bringing, Calamity, Counsel, Defeat, Designs, Determined, Disaster, Effect, Evil, Frustrate, Hushai, Hushai's, Intent, Ordained, Order, Purpose, Sake, Suggestion, Thwart, Void, Willed, WiseDictionary of Bible Themes 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 17:14 NIV2 Samuel 17:14 NLT2 Samuel 17:14 ESV2 Samuel 17:14 NASB2 Samuel 17:14 KJV
2 Samuel 17:14 Commentaries
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