I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king I will attack him while he is weak and weary;This phrase reflects Ahithophel's strategic counsel to Absalom, suggesting an attack on David during a vulnerable moment. The context is Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. David, having fled Jerusalem, is in a state of physical and emotional exhaustion. This mirrors other biblical instances where enemies sought to exploit moments of weakness, such as Amalek's attack on the Israelites in Exodus 17:8-16. The idea of striking when an opponent is weak is a common military tactic, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness in spiritual warfare ( 1 Peter 5:8). I will throw him into a panic,
Ahithophel's plan involves creating confusion and fear, a tactic often used in warfare to destabilize and demoralize the enemy. Panic can lead to disorganization and defeat, as seen in the story of Gideon in Judges 7:19-22, where God used confusion to defeat the Midianites. This reflects the spiritual truth that fear and panic can lead to poor decision-making and a loss of faith, contrasting with the peace and confidence found in trusting God (Philippians 4:6-7). and all the people with him will flee;
Ahithophel predicts that once David is thrown into panic, his followers will abandon him. This highlights the importance of strong leadership and the loyalty of followers. Historically, the loyalty of David's men was tested during Absalom's rebellion, yet many remained faithful. This can be compared to the scattering of Jesus' disciples at His arrest (Mark 14:50), illustrating human frailty and the need for divine strength. I will strike down only the king.
Ahithophel's plan focuses on eliminating David alone, believing that his death would end the conflict. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of targeting leaders to quickly resolve battles. Theologically, it underscores the significance of the king as the anointed leader, a type of Christ, who is the ultimate King. The focus on the king's life parallels the prophetic anticipation of the Messiah, who would be struck down for the salvation of His people (Isaiah 53:4-5). Persons / Places / Events 1. AhithophelA counselor to King David who later defected to Absalom. Known for his wise counsel, Ahithophel proposed a strategic plan to attack David. 2. DavidThe King of Israel, who is in a vulnerable position due to his son Absalom's rebellion. David is described as weary and weak in this passage. 3. AbsalomDavid's son, who has declared himself king and is seeking to solidify his power by pursuing David. 4. The WildernessThe setting where David and his followers are hiding, emphasizing their vulnerable state. 5. The Plan of AttackAhithophel's proposal to strike David while he is vulnerable, aiming to cause panic and disarray among David's followers. Teaching Points The Reality of Spiritual WarfareJust as David faced physical threats, believers face spiritual battles. We must be aware of the enemy's tactics, especially during times of weakness. The Importance of Godly CounselAhithophel's counsel was strategic but not aligned with God's will. Seek counsel that aligns with Scripture and God's purposes. Trust in God's SovereigntyDespite human plans, God's purposes prevail. David's account reminds us to trust in God's ultimate control over our circumstances. The Power of Prayer and VigilanceIn times of vulnerability, prayer and vigilance are crucial. Like David, we should turn to God for strength and guidance. Leadership and ResponsibilityDavid's situation highlights the weight of leadership. Leaders must rely on God and make decisions that reflect His wisdom and justice. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ahithophel's plan reveal the tactics of the enemy in our spiritual lives, and how can we prepare ourselves against such attacks? 2. In what ways can we seek and discern godly counsel in our lives, especially during times of crisis or decision-making? 3. Reflect on a time when you felt weary and weak. How did you experience God's presence and protection during that time? 4. How can the account of David's trust in God during Absalom's rebellion encourage us to trust God in our own challenging situations? 5. What steps can we take to ensure that our leadership and influence align with God's will and reflect His character? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 3David's prayer during Absalom's rebellion, expressing trust in God despite the threat. 1 Samuel 23:15-29David's previous experiences of being pursued, highlighting God's protection. Matthew 26:41Jesus' warning to His disciples to stay awake and pray, connecting to the theme of vulnerability and the need for vigilance. 1 Peter 5:8The call to be sober-minded and watchful, as the enemy seeks to attack when we are weak. 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 Afraid, Alone, Attack, Caused, Discouraged, Exhausted, Fear, Feeble, Feeble-handed, Fled, Flee, Flight, Full, Handed, Panic, Smite, Smitten, Strike, Terrify, Terror, Throw, Tired, Tremble, Weak, Weak-handed, WearyDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 17:1-4 5917 plans 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 17:2 NIV2 Samuel 17:2 NLT2 Samuel 17:2 ESV2 Samuel 17:2 NASB2 Samuel 17:2 KJV
2 Samuel 17:2 Commentaries
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