But a young man did see them and told Absalom. So the two left quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it. But a young man did see them and told Absalom.This phrase highlights the precarious nature of espionage and the constant threat of exposure. In the context of Absalom's rebellion against King David, the young man represents the ever-present danger of being discovered. The mention of Absalom underscores the tension and division within Israel at this time, as Absalom sought to usurp his father David's throne. This incident reflects the broader theme of loyalty and betrayal that runs throughout the narrative of David's reign. The young man's actions also serve as a reminder of the vigilance required in times of political upheaval. 1Sa 22:9-10 But Doeg the Edomite, who had stationed himself… So the two left quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim. The two men referred to here are Jonathan and Ahimaaz, who were acting as messengers for David. Their quick departure indicates the urgency and danger of their mission. Bahurim is a village in the territory of Benjamin, east of Jerusalem. It is significant as a place of refuge and danger; previously, Shimei cursed David here (2 Samuel 16:5-13). The choice of Bahurim as a hiding place suggests a network of loyal supporters to David, even in areas that might be hostile. This reflects the divided loyalties within the kingdom during Absalom's rebellion. 2Sa 16:5 As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the house… He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it. The well in the courtyard serves as a hiding place, illustrating the resourcefulness and quick thinking required in times of crisis. Wells were common features in ancient Near Eastern homes, often used for water storage, but here it becomes a means of concealment. This act of hiding in a well can be seen as a type of Christ, who often withdrew to solitary places for prayer and safety (Luke 5:16). The imagery of descending into a well also evokes themes of death and resurrection, as wells are deep and dark, yet they provide life-sustaining water. This can be seen as a metaphor for the trials and deliverance experienced by God's people. Jer 38:6 So they took Jeremiah and dropped him into the cistern… Persons / Places / Events 1. AbsalomThe son of King David who rebelled against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. 2. The Young Man An unnamed individual who observed the two messengers and reported their presence to Absalom. 3. The Two Messengers Jonathan and Ahimaaz, who were loyal to King David and were carrying a message to him. 4. Bahurim A village in the territory of Benjamin, known for its strategic location and its role in various biblical accounts. 5. The Man with the Well An unnamed ally of David who provided refuge to Jonathan and Ahimaaz by hiding them in his well. Teaching Points Loyalty in Times of CrisisJonathan and Ahimaaz demonstrate loyalty to David, risking their lives to deliver crucial information. In our lives, we are called to be loyal to God and His purposes, even when it is risky or inconvenient. Divine Providence The well in Bahurim serves as a symbol of God's providence, providing a means of escape and protection. We can trust that God will provide for us in unexpected ways during our times of need. The Role of the Faithful Remnant The unnamed man in Bahurim represents the faithful remnant who support God's anointed. We are encouraged to be part of this remnant, offering support and refuge to those who are serving God's purposes. The Power of Observation The young man's observation and subsequent report to Absalom remind us of the impact our actions and words can have. We should be mindful of how we use our influence and strive to act in ways that align with God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How do Jonathan and Ahimaaz's actions reflect the importance of loyalty and courage in our own spiritual journeys?2. In what ways can we see God's providence at work in our lives, similar to the protection provided by the well in Bahurim? 3. How can we identify and support the "faithful remnant" in our communities today? 4. What lessons can we learn from the young man's actions about the power of observation and the responsibility that comes with it? 5. How does the account of Jonathan and Ahimaaz connect with other biblical accounts of divine protection and deliverance, such as the account of Rahab in Joshua 2? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 15-16Provides context for Absalom's rebellion and the political intrigue surrounding David's flight from Jerusalem. Joshua 2 The account of Rahab hiding the Israelite spies, which parallels the hiding of Jonathan and Ahimaaz, illustrating themes of loyalty and divine protection. Psalm 55 David's lament during Absalom's rebellion, expressing his anguish and trust in God's deliverance.
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, Bahurim, Bahu'rim, Boy, Climbed, Court, Courtyard, Declareth, Departed, Descended, Garden, Hastily, Lad, Man's, Nevertheless, Quickly, Thither, Water-hole, Whither, YouthDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 17:18Library "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39And 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 Bread The Nations of the South-East Barzillai Continued. David and Jonathan's Son Mr. John Bunyan's Dying Sayings. Letter xxxvi (Circa A. D. 1131) to the Same Hildebert, who had not yet Acknowledged the Lord Innocent as Pope. King of Kings and Lord of Lords Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C. Samuel Links 2 Samuel 17:18 NIV2 Samuel 17:18 NLT 2 Samuel 17:18 ESV 2 Samuel 17:18 NASB 2 Samuel 17:18 KJV 2 Samuel 17:18 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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