◄ 2 Samuel 17:4 ►
This proposal seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel.
Study Bible
This proposal seemed good to Absalom
Absalom, the third son of King David, is in the midst of a rebellion against his father. His ambition and desire for power have led him to seek counsel on how to solidify his claim to the throne. The proposal in question comes from Ahithophel, David's former advisor, who has defected to Absalom's side. This moment highlights Absalom's willingness to accept advice that aligns with his ambitions, regardless of its moral implications. The acceptance of this proposal marks a pivotal point in Absalom's rebellion, showcasing his determination to usurp David's kingship. This decision reflects the broader theme of human ambition and the consequences of seeking power outside of God's will.

and all the elders of Israel
The elders of Israel were influential leaders and decision-makers within the tribes. Their agreement with Ahithophel's proposal indicates a significant shift in loyalty from David to Absalom. This collective approval underscores the political instability and division within the kingdom during this period. The elders' support for Absalom can be seen as a reflection of the nation's discontent with David's rule, possibly due to his handling of previous events such as the incident with Bathsheba and the subsequent turmoil within his family. This moment also foreshadows the eventual downfall of Absalom's rebellion, as it is built on shaky alliances and human wisdom rather than divine guidance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Absalom
The son of King David who rebelled against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. His ambition and desire for power led him to make decisions that ultimately resulted in his downfall.

2. Ahithophel
A counselor to King David who defected to Absalom's side during the rebellion. Known for his wise counsel, his advice was highly regarded, and his betrayal was a significant blow to David.

3. The Elders of Israel
Leaders and influential figures in Israel who were involved in the decision-making process during Absalom's rebellion. Their agreement with Ahithophel's plan indicates their support for Absalom's cause at that time.

4. David
The reigning king of Israel, who was forced to flee Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion. His leadership and reliance on God are central themes throughout his life and reign.

5. Hushai the Archite
A loyal friend of David who infiltrated Absalom's court to counteract Ahithophel's counsel. His role was crucial in thwarting Ahithophel's plans and aiding David's eventual return to power.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Ungodly Counsel
Ahithophel's advice, though seemingly wise, was rooted in rebellion against God's anointed king. We must discern and seek counsel that aligns with God's will.

The Influence of Leadership
The elders' agreement with Absalom's plan shows the power of leadership in shaping the direction of a community. Leaders must be guided by righteousness and integrity.

God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs
Despite human schemes, God's purposes will ultimately prevail. Trusting in God's sovereignty brings peace amidst uncertainty.

The Consequences of Rebellion
Absalom's account is a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of pride and rebellion. Submission to God's authority is essential for true success.

Loyalty and Faithfulness
Hushai's loyalty to David exemplifies the importance of faithfulness to God's chosen leaders and the role of strategic wisdom in supporting God's plans.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the account of Absalom's rebellion challenge us to evaluate the sources of our counsel and advice? What criteria should we use to discern godly counsel?

2. In what ways can we see the sovereignty of God at work in the events of 2 Samuel 17, and how does this encourage us in our own lives?

3. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision that required discernment. How did you seek God's guidance, and what was the outcome?

4. How can the account of Absalom and the elders of Israel inform our understanding of leadership and influence within our communities and churches?

5. What lessons can we learn from Hushai's loyalty to David about the importance of faithfulness and strategic wisdom in supporting God's purposes?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 3
This psalm, attributed to David during his flight from Absalom, reflects his trust in God amidst betrayal and adversity. It provides insight into David's spiritual state during this tumultuous time.

Proverbs 19:21
This verse highlights the sovereignty of God over human plans, reminding us that while many plans are in a person's heart, it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

1 Kings 2:23-25
The eventual downfall of Adonijah, another son of David who sought the throne, parallels Absalom's account and underscores the consequences of rebellion against God's anointed.
Sermons
The Council Chamber of AbsalomB. Dale 2 Samuel 17:1-14
People
Abiathar, Abigail, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Ahithophel, Amasa, Ammiel, Ammonites, Arkite, Barzillai, Dan, David, Hushai, Ithra, Jesse, Jether, Joab, Jonathan, Machir, Nahash, Shobi, Zadok, Zeruiah
Places
Bahurim, Beersheba, Dan, En-rogel, Gilead, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Lo-debar, Mahanaim, Rabbah, Rogelim
Topics
Absalom, Ab'salom, Advice, Elders, Plan, Pleased, Pleasing, Responsible, Saying, Seemed
Dictionary 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 Bread

The 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

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