2 Samuel 17:1

Translations

Modern

Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David.

Traditional

Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:

Literal

And Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose now twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David tonight.

Latin

Dixit ergo Achitophel ad Absalom: Eligam mihi duodecim millia virorum, et consurgens persequar David hac nocte.

Original

Hebrew

English

Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David.

Notes

2 Samuel 17:1–14

Ahithophel advised a quick surprise attack against David with a small force of 12,000 men (2 Samuel 17:1). This plan would give David no time to prepare or organize a defense.

David’s double agent, Hushai, gave different advice. He urged Absalom to wait and gather the entire army of Israel before attacking (2 Samuel 17:11). This plan promised a much larger force and would prevent David from using guerrilla tactics (small surprise attacks).

Because the Lord was working against Absalom, he rejected Ahithophel’s good advice and accepted Hushai’s poor advice (2 Samuel 17:14; compare 1 Kings 12:1–15).

Theme notes and profiles

Absalom David Counsel from Others

Events

Reign of David

Related verses

Isaiah 59:7–8
Their feet run to evil; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and destruction lie in their wake.
Proverbs 4:16
For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall.
Psalm 109:2–4
For wicked and deceitful mouths open against me; they speak against me with lying tongues.
Psalm 3:3–5
But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.
Psalm 4:8
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Proverbs 1:16
For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood.

People

Absalom: David's rebellious son who tried to usurp the throne Ahithophel: David's counselor who joined Absalom's rebellion, later committed suicide David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ

Glossary

Absalom Ahithophel Benaiah David Gilead (Place) Hushai Kings, Books of First and Second Nathan Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Ahithophel: Joins Absalom Ahithophel: Suicide of Citizens: Wicked: Ahithophel Council of War Diplomacy: David, in Sending Hushai Absalom's Court Friendship: David and Hushai Hushai: David's Friend Malice: Ahithophel Toward David Rebellion: Absalom Spies used at the Court of Absalom The Armies of Israel: Men Selected From, for Difficult Enterprises War: Counsels of

2 Samuel 17:1

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