Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, for they dared not be seen entering the city. Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogelJonathan and Ahimaaz were the sons of priests, Jonathan being the son of Abiathar and Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. Their presence at En-rogel, a well or spring located near Jerusalem, was strategic. En-rogel served as a discreet meeting point outside the city, allowing them to avoid detection. This location is significant in biblical history, often associated with boundary markers between the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The choice of En-rogel highlights the need for secrecy and the importance of water sources in ancient times for both sustenance and communication. where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them
The use of a servant girl as a messenger underscores the covert nature of their mission. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, women, especially those of lower social status, could move more freely without arousing suspicion. This reflects the wisdom and resourcefulness in David's network, utilizing all available means to gather intelligence. The role of women in biblical narratives often includes pivotal moments where they act as intermediaries or protectors, as seen with Rahab in Joshua 2. They in turn would go and inform King David
Jonathan and Ahimaaz acted as vital links in the communication chain, ensuring that King David received timely and accurate information. This reflects the loyalty and dedication of David's supporters during Absalom's rebellion. The act of informing David is crucial, as it allowed him to make strategic decisions to protect his reign and fulfill God's promise to him. This mirrors the role of prophets and messengers throughout the Bible, who convey God's will to His chosen leaders. for they dared not be seen entering the city
The need for secrecy was paramount due to the political tension and danger posed by Absalom's rebellion. Entering the city could have led to their capture or death, as Absalom's forces were on high alert for any loyalists to David. This phrase highlights the risk and courage involved in their mission. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's providence and protection over His servants, as seen in the stories of Daniel and Esther, who navigated hostile environments with divine guidance. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jonathan and AhimaazThese are the sons of the priests Abiathar and Zadok, respectively. They served as messengers for King David during Absalom's rebellion, relaying critical information to him. 2. En-rogelA location near Jerusalem, significant as a strategic point for communication during Absalom's rebellion. It was a safe place for Jonathan and Ahimaaz to receive and pass on messages. 3. The Servant GirlAn unnamed female who played a crucial role in the communication chain by discreetly passing information to Jonathan and Ahimaaz. 4. King DavidThe reigning king of Israel, who was in a precarious position due to his son Absalom's rebellion. He relied on loyal supporters for intelligence and guidance. 5. Absalom's RebellionA significant event where Absalom, David's son, attempted to usurp the throne, leading to a civil conflict within Israel. Teaching Points The Importance of Loyal SupportIn times of crisis, having loyal and trustworthy individuals is crucial. Jonathan and Ahimaaz exemplify the role of faithful supporters who risk their safety for a greater cause. Strategic Wisdom in AdversityThe use of En-rogel and the servant girl demonstrates the need for strategic thinking and wisdom when facing challenges. Believers are called to be wise and discerning in their actions. God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsDespite the chaos of Absalom's rebellion, God's hand is evident in orchestrating events for David's protection. This reminds us of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in our lives. The Role of the Unseen and UnnamedThe servant girl's role, though minor and unnamed, was pivotal. This teaches us that every role in God's plan is significant, regardless of visibility or recognition. Bible Study Questions 1. How do Jonathan and Ahimaaz's actions reflect the importance of loyalty and courage in supporting God's anointed leaders? 2. In what ways can we apply the strategic wisdom demonstrated by Jonathan and Ahimaaz in our own lives when facing challenges? 3. How does the role of the servant girl in this passage encourage us to value the contributions of those who work behind the scenes in our communities and churches? 4. What can we learn about God's sovereignty and provision from the way He orchestrated events during Absalom's rebellion? 5. How can the themes of loyalty, wisdom, and God's sovereignty in 2 Samuel 17:17 be connected to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 19:11-17Similar to the covert operations in 2 Samuel 17:17, this passage describes how Michal helped David escape from Saul, highlighting the theme of loyal support and strategic communication. Proverbs 11:14This verse emphasizes the importance of wise counsel and guidance, which is evident in the actions of Jonathan and Ahimaaz as they support David. Matthew 10:16Jesus instructs His disciples to be "shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves," which parallels the careful and wise actions of Jonathan and Ahimaaz in their mission. 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 Able, Ahimaaz, Ahim'a-az, David, Declared, En, Enrogel, En-rogel, En-ro'gel, Entering, Female, Girl, Inform, Jonathan, Maid, Maidservant, Maid-servant, News, Risk, Rogel, Servant, Servant-girl, Standing, Stayed, Staying, Themselves, Town, Waiting, Wench, WiseDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 17:16 4260 rivers and streams 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 17:17 NIV2 Samuel 17:17 NLT2 Samuel 17:17 ESV2 Samuel 17:17 NASB2 Samuel 17:17 KJV
2 Samuel 17:17 Commentaries
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