Keraia
2 Samuel 17

2 Samuel 17:6

Hushai Counters Ahithophel’s Advice · 2 Samuel 17:1–14
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Translations

Modern
So Hushai came to Absalom, who told him, “Ahithophel has spoken this proposal. Should we carry it out? If not, what do you say?”
Traditional
And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou.
Literal
And Hushai came to Absalom, and Absalom spoke to him, saying, “In this manner Ahithophel has spoken. Shall we do as he says? If not, you yourself speak up.”
Latin
Cumque venisset Chusai ad Absalom, ait Absalom ad eum: Hujuscemodi sermonem locutus est Achitophel: facere debemus an non? quod das consilium?

Original

Hebrew
English
So Hushai came to Absalom, who told him, “Ahithophel has spoken this proposal. Should we carry it out? If not, what do you say?”

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

People

Absalom: David's rebellious son who tried to usurp the throne Ahithophel: David's counselor who joined Absalom's rebellion, later committed suicide Hushai: David's friend and advisor who helped him during Absalom's rebellion

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 Council of War Diplomacy: David, in Sending Hushai Absalom's Court Friendship: David and Hushai Prudence: Abigail Spies used at the Court of Absalom War: Counsels of