Keraia
2 Samuel 17

2 Samuel 17:7

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

Translations

Modern
Hushai replied, “This time the advice of Ahithophel is not sound.”
Traditional
And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time.
Literal
And Hushai said to Absalom, “The counsel is not good that Ahithophel has counseled at this time.”
Latin
Et dixit Chusai ad Absalom: Non est bonum consilium quod dedit Achitophel hac vice.

Original

Hebrew
English
Hushai replied, “This time the advice of Ahithophel is not sound.”

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 Armies: March in Ranks: Delay Council of War Diplomacy: David, in Sending Hushai Absalom's Court Falsehood in his Deceitful Counsel to Absalom Friendship: David and Hushai Prudence: Abigail Spies used at the Court of Absalom Strategy in War War: Counsels of