So David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one left who had not crossed the Jordan. So David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Jordan.David, the anointed king of Israel, was fleeing from his son Absalom, who had usurped the throne. This crossing of the Jordan River marks a significant moment of transition and escape for David and his followers. The Jordan River often symbolizes a boundary or a point of transition in biblical narratives, such as when the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership (Joshua 3). This crossing can be seen as a parallel to that earlier event, highlighting themes of deliverance and divine guidance. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that David and his people had to move quickly to avoid Absalom's forces. The Jordan River, a natural barrier, provided a temporary refuge and a strategic advantage for David. By daybreak, there was no one left who had not crossed the Jordan.
The phrase "by daybreak" indicates the urgency and efficiency with which David and his followers acted. The cover of night provided them with protection from being detected by Absalom's forces. This swift and complete crossing signifies the unity and loyalty of David's followers, as well as their trust in his leadership. The complete crossing by daybreak also suggests divine favor and protection, as it was crucial for their survival. This event can be seen as a type of Christ, where David, a foreshadowing of Jesus, leads his people to safety and deliverance. The crossing of the Jordan can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual transition and renewal, themes that are echoed in the New Testament with the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13-17). Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom's rebellion. David's leadership and reliance on God are central to this account. 2. The Jordan RiverA significant geographical and symbolic boundary in Israel's history. Crossing the Jordan often signifies a transition or deliverance. 3. AbsalomDavid's son, who has usurped the throne and is pursuing David. His rebellion is a key event leading to David's flight. 4. Ahithophel and HushaiAdvisors whose counsel plays a crucial role in the unfolding events. Ahithophel's advice is thwarted by Hushai, who remains loyal to David. 5. The People with DavidLoyal followers who accompany David in his flight, demonstrating their allegiance and trust in his leadership. Teaching Points Trust in God's DeliveranceJust as David trusted God to guide him across the Jordan, we are called to trust in God's deliverance in our own times of trial. Leadership in CrisisDavid's calm and decisive leadership during a crisis is a model for us. We should seek God's wisdom and act with courage when facing challenges. The Importance of Loyal CompanionsThe loyalty of those who followed David highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with faithful friends who support us in difficult times. Symbolism of Crossing BoundariesCrossing the Jordan represents a transition and new beginnings. In our spiritual journey, we may face "Jordan" moments that require faith to move forward. God's Sovereignty Over Human PlansDespite Absalom's rebellion and Ahithophel's counsel, God's plan prevails. We can trust that God's purposes will be accomplished, even when human plans seem to threaten them. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's crossing of the Jordan reflect his trust in God's protection and guidance? How can we apply this trust in our own lives? 2. In what ways does the loyalty of David's followers inspire us to be faithful companions to others? Can you think of a time when you supported someone in their "Jordan" moment? 3. How does the crossing of the Jordan in 2 Samuel 17:22 compare to the Israelites' crossing in Joshua 3-4? What does this teach us about God's faithfulness? 4. What can we learn from David's leadership during this crisis that can be applied to our roles as leaders in our families, workplaces, or communities? 5. How does the thwarting of Ahithophel's counsel demonstrate God's sovereignty? How can this assurance of God's control over circumstances bring peace to our lives today? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 3-4The crossing of the Jordan by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership parallels David's crossing, symbolizing God's deliverance and guidance. Psalm 3A psalm attributed to David during his flight from Absalom, expressing trust in God's protection. 2 Samuel 15:13-37Provides context for David's flight, including his strategic decisions and the loyalty of his followers. 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 Crossed, David, Dawn, Daybreak, Jordan, Lacked, Lacking, Missing, Morning, Pass, Passed, Riseth, TillDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 17:22 4918 dawn 2 Samuel 17:21-23 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 17:22 NIV2 Samuel 17:22 NLT2 Samuel 17:22 ESV2 Samuel 17:22 NASB2 Samuel 17:22 KJV
2 Samuel 17:22 Commentaries
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