2 Samuel 17:1 Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Now let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight. 2 I will come upon him while he is weary and weak, and make him afraid. And all the people who are with him will flee, and I will strike only the king. 3 Then I will bring back all the people to you. When all return except the man whom you seek, all the people will be at peace." 4 And the saying pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel.
“Absalom, flushed to find himself at once in the palace and fortress of his father, instantly convened his council. (in 2 Samuel 16:20) But though he had the ark and the priests, he never thought of consulting the Lord. To that sanctuary the wicked, having no hope, do not presume to approach. We proceed now to the second act of the council, in which Ahithophel, once for all, discovered his secret policy.” (Sutcliffe) Among Absolom’s advisers was Hushai the Archite, David's friend who had wanted to leave with him but returned to Jerusalem at David’s request.
“‘Moreover, Ahithophel said to Absalom, 'Now let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight.' (1) etc. This was a second politic indeed, but pestilent counsel, given by Ahithophel to Absalom, stirring him up to parricide; and offering his best service as a captain and commander, which in counsellors and politicians is not ordinary.” (John Trapp) “Had this counsel been followed, David and his little troop would soon have been destroyed… Twelve thousand chosen troops coming against him, in his totally unprepared state, would have soon settled the business of the kingdom.” (Adam Clarke)
“I will come upon him while he is weary and weak, and make him afraid. And all the people who are with him will flee, and I will strike only the king.’ (2) “'Smite the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered,' (Zechariah 13:7; Matthew 26:31) and be an easy prey to the wolf.” (Matthew Henry) “What Ahithophel says about the disabling of David is very similar to the words Caiaphas spoke about the disabling of the Lord Jesus: But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, ‘You know nothing at all, nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.’ Now he did not say this on his own initiative, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad’ (Jn 11:49-52). What is not fulfilled with David, is fulfilled with the Lord Jesus, but only to carry out God’s plan. The lie of Caiaphas becomes the truth of God.” (G. de Koning)
“Then I will bring back all the people to you.” (3a) By this plan the lives of Bathsheba and Solomon would have been saved. "They were, respectively, the grand-daughter and the great-grandson of Ahithophel; and if Absalom had indeed succeeded David, nothing on earth could have saved their lives. Therefore, we believe that Ahithophel probably hated Absalom even more than he hated David and that, given the twelve thousand men he requested here, he would quickly have disposed of Absalom also.” (Burton Coffman)— “’When all return except the man whom you seek,- namely, David.— all the people will be at peace." (3b) "Ahithophel means to say: ‘If I can only smite David, there will be no civil war, all the people will peaceably submit.’” (Albert Barnes)
“‘And the saying pleased Absalom' (4a)- “Absalom is now in peaceable possession of Jerusalem; the palace-royal is his own, as are the thrones of judgment, even the thrones of the house of David. His good father reigned in Hebron, and only over the tribe of Judah, above seven years, and was not hasty to destroy his rival; his government was built upon a divine promise, the performance of which he was sure of in due time, and therefore he waited patiently in the mean time. But the young man, Absalom, not only hastens from Hebron to Jerusalem, but is impatient there till he has destroyed his father, cannot be content with his throne till he has his life.” (Matthew Henry)
"'And [it also pleased] all the elders of Israel.’ (4b) for it was in truth the very best plan in favor of Absalom's cause.” (Paul E Kretzmann) “That so profligate a wretch as Absalom should aim at the life of so good a father is not so strange (there are here and there monsters in nature); but that the body of the people of Israel, to whom David had been so great a blessing in all respects, should join with him in his attempt, is very amazing.” (Matthew Henry)
However: “Although this advice pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel (present), Absalom sent for Hushai the Archite to hear his opinion.” (Keil & Delitzsch)
2 Samuel 17:7 So Hushai said to Absalom: “The advice that Ahithophel has given is not good at this time. 8 For,” said Hushai, “you know your father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are enraged in their minds, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field; and your father is a man of war, and will not camp with the people. 9 Surely by now he is hidden in some pit, or in some other place. And it will be, when some of them are overthrown at the first, that whoever hears it will say, ‘There is a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.’ 10 And even he who is valiant, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will melt completely. For all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man, and those who are with him are valiant men. 11 Therefore I advise that all Israel be fully gathered to you, from Dan to Beersheba, like the sand that is by the sea for multitude, and that you go to battle in person. 12 So we will come upon him in some place where he may be found, and we will fall on him as the dew falls on the ground. And of him and all the men who are with him there shall not be left so much as one. 13 Moreover, if he has withdrawn into a city, then all Israel shall bring ropes to that city; and we will pull it into the river, until there is not one small stone found there.”
David must die was the universal verdict of the counsel and it was based on the advice of Ahithophel. None raised a contrary voice. “None durst mention his personal merits, and the great services done to his country, in opposition to this resolve, nor so much as ask, ‘Why, what evil has he done to forfeit his crown, much less his head?’ None durst propose that his banishment should suffice, for the present, nor that agents should be sent to treat with him to resign the crown, which, having so tamely quitted the city, they might think he would easily be persuaded to do. It was not long since that Absalom himself fled for a crime, and David contented himself with his being an exile, though he deserved death, nay, he mourned and longed for him; but so perfectly void of all natural affection is this ungrateful Absalom that he eagerly thirsts after his own father's blood.” (Matthew Henry) Yet Absalom asked advise of the friend of David on his staff.
When they told David that Ahithophel was among the conspirators, he prayed, "O LORD, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!" “Now it happened when David had come to the top of the mountain, where he worshiped God--there was Hushai the Archite coming to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head. David said to him, ‘If you go on with me, then you will become a burden to me. But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, 'I will be your servant, O king; as I was your father's servant previously, so I will now also be your servant,' then you may defeat the counsel of Ahithophel for me.” (2 Sam 15:31-34)
Ahitophel’s counsel was aimed at destroying David only. David needed time and warning. "So Hushai"- not Hushai the Hittite, as before, but rather one showing himself to be an Israelite indeed- "said to Absalom: “The advice that Ahithophel has given is not good at this time—The words, at this time, should be transposed. What Hushai says is ‘This time the counsel of Ahithophel is not good,’ implying that his previous advice (2 Sam 16:21) had been wise, thus assuming an appearance of candour.” (Albert Barnes) Ahithophel had advised "the instant pursuit and capture of David. ‘I [and 12,000 men that I chose],’ he says, ‘will bring back all the people unto thee, as a bride returns to her husband; thou seekest the life of only one man, there shall be peace for all the people’.” (Arthur Peake)
But Hushai said, “For you know your father and his men… They are enraged, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field ... Your father is expert in war ... He is a mighty man ... The men with him are valiant men.’ (8-10). “Hushai’s argument is that there was no chance of seizing David by surprise as Ahithophel suggested. There was sure to be sharp fighting, and the terror of the names of David, Joab, Abishai, Ittai, and their companions, would magnify the first few blows received into a victory, and Absalom’s men would flee in panic. It is likely that Absalom was not a man of courage, and Hushai, knowing this, adroitly magnified the terror of the warlike prowess of David and his mighty men.” (Albert Barnes)
“But the concluding stroke was the masterpiece. He knew that vanity was Absalom’s besetting sin. The young man that had prepared chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him, that had been accustomed to poll his head from year to year and weigh it with so much care, and whose praise was throughout all Israel for beauty, must be flattered by a picture of the whole host of Israel marshaled around him, and going forth in proud array, with him at its head. ‘Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude,” etc.” (William R. Nicoll) “There was never the slightest possibility of anything like that ever happening on behalf of Absalom.” (Burton Coffman)— “‘and that thou go to battle in thine own person.’ Hushai insinuates that Ahithophel by his counsel had been indulging in an egotistical vaunting, Ahithophel had said, ‘I will arise; I will come upon him,’ etc.; and he insinuates also that Ahithophel had been desirous of robbing Absalom of the glory of the victory over David, and of assuming it to himself. And thus Hushed practises on Absalom’s vain glory and self love.” (Wordsworth)
“The skillful flattery of Hushai is evident in the glorious picture of Absalom riding in majesty at the head of a vast army, and in his boastful description of how ‘WE’ (yes, he included himself in Absalom's service) would destroy any city where David may try to defend himself… This word-picture of Absalom riding in his royal clothing at the head of a mighty army most certainly appealed to Absalom, especially, if there had been any suspicion on his part of Ahithophel's suggestion that he lead twelve thousand, hand-picked soldiers of Absalom's troops…. This was a glorying picture of Absalom's triumph…” (Burton Coffman)
“’So we will come upon him in some place where he may be found, and we will fall on him as the dew falls on the ground.’ (12a) “Plenteously, suddenly, irresistibly, and on all sides; for so the dew falls... ‘The dew in Palestine, as in several other climates, falls fast and sudden; and is therefore an apt emblem of an active and expeditious soldiery…. The dew falls upon every spot of the earth; not a blade of grass escapes it. A numerous army resembles it in this respect; it is able to search everywhere.’ Delaney.” (Benson Commentary)
“‘And of him and all the men who are with him there shall not be left so much as one. Moreover, if he has withdrawn into a city, then all Israel shall bring ropes to that city and pull it.” This was hyperbolic with the meaning that the city that harbors David would be destroyed with its people. — It will be pulled “into the river, until there is not one small stone found there.’ (12b-13) "A bold hyperbole, designed to produce a momentary effect.” (Preacher's Complete Homiletical) Rivers are used in the prophetic to speak of sweeping destruction.
"So Absalom and all the men of Israel said, 'The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.' For the Lord had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring disaster [destruction] on Absalom." (2 Samuel 17:14)
2 Samuel 17: 15 Then Hushai said to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, "Thus and so Ahithophel advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and thus and so I have advised. 16 Now therefore, send quickly and tell David, saying, 'Do not spend this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily cross over, lest the king and all the people who are with him be swallowed up.” 17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed at En Rogel, for they dared not be seen coming into the city; so a female servant would come and tell them, and they would go and tell King David. 18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom. But both of them went away quickly and came to a man's house in Bahurim, who had a well in his court; and they went down into it. 19 Then the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground grain on it; and the thing was not known. 20 And when Absalom's servants came to the woman at the house, they said, "Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?" So the woman said to them, "They have gone over the water brook." And when they had searched and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. 21 Now it came to pass, after they had departed, that they came up out of the well and went and told King David, and said to David, "Arise and cross over the water quickly. For thus has Ahithophel advised against you."
22 So David and all the people who were with him arose and crossed over the Jordan. By morning light not one of them was left who had not gone over the Jordan.
“Now therefore, send quickly and tell David, saying, 'Do not spend this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily cross over, lest the king and all the people who are with him be swallowed up.’”(16) “Hushai’s advice had been taken at the moment, but it might easily be exchanged for Ahithophel’s. At all events there was instant danger for David, and Hushai urges him to place the Jordan without delay between himself and the rebels.” (C. J. Ellicott) “Hushai, like a wise and prudent man, knowing, too, Absalom’s weak and fickle character, would not depend upon the resolution, taken at his instigation…“ (Albert Barnes)
“More means are being used to protect David from the rebels and to stay out of their hands. In addition to Hushai and his eloquent speech, Zadok and Abiathar are also used. Hushai tells them what both Ahithophel and himself counseled Absalom. Others are called in to warn David. Two boys and a slave also form links in the chain of messengers, allowing David to cross the Jordan in time. Jonathan is the son of Abiathar and Ahimaäz is the son of Zadok. These boys are now making their lives available to save the king’s life. A nameless woman and a nameless family living in Bahurim also help. They are known to God. So everyone has a task in this history, in which David’s life is hunted. The Lord Jesus is always the stake of life, also in ours. It is for or against Him, in all situations of life. As friends of our rejected Lord, let us not consider any service unworthy or too small to help others who may have a service that is greater in our eyes, to do that service. If we fail in our ‘minor’ assignment, we may be the cause of that service not happening or happening very poorly.” (Ger. de. Koning)
“‘Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man’s house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.’ Ver. 18. Nevertheless a lad saw them. ] As the devil never wanteth instruments in such cases to work mischief. Who this lad was, it mattereth not: but sure he was none of Absalom’s horsemen, as Josephus writeth.” (John Trapp)
“And when Absalom's servants came to the woman at the house, they said, ‘Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?’ So the woman said to them, ‘They have gone over the water brook.’ And when they had searched and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.” (20)"This was a manifest lie; but because it was spoken for no hurt, but good only, many persons in those times conceived such lies to be lawful. Compare Exodus 1:19; Joshua 2:4,Joshua 2:5. But although God was pleased to overlook and pardon the sin, and graciously to reward the good intention which accompanied them; yet it is certain that all kinds of lies are moral evils, and condemned by plain scriptures, and that we must not do evil that good may come, nor tell a lie for God’s glory, Romans 3:7,Romans 3:8.” (Matthew Poole)
“Now it came to pass, after they had departed, that they came up out of the well and went and told King David, and said to David, "Arise and cross over the water quickly. For thus has Ahithophel advised against you." (21) “This disclosure of Absalom’s plans saved David from being surprised, and drove him across the Jordan, where he received strength in Gilead, and supplies from Shobi, viceroy of the Ammonites. In this case wisdom was more than might. The royal person is safer to be surrounded with pious men, than with an assembly of atheists.” (Joseph Sutcliffe)— “‘So David and all the people who were with him arose and crossed over the Jordan. By morning light not one of them was left who had not gone over the Jordan.’ (22) Will you help God’s people to find the Jordan of baptism in Jesus’ name? “There is a river that we also may put between us and our pursuers. It is the Jordan of Calvary-the Cross of our Savior. Reckon yourselves dead unto sin!” (F. B. Meyers)
2 Samuel 17:23 Now when Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he saddled a donkey, and arose and went home to his house, to his city. Then he put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died; and he was buried in his father's tomb.
“Ahithophel… knew that Absalom could succeed only if David were killed, and David's having time to regroup would be fatal to Absalom's cause, for the people generally would not be persuaded to follow Absalom in preference to David, in spite of the pride of Absalom in expecting this.” (L. M. Grant) Thus, “Hastening home, therefore, he arranged his private affairs, and knowing that the storm of retributive vengeance would fall chiefly upon him as the instigator and prop of the rebellion, he hanged himself. It may be remarked that the Israelites did not, at that time, refuse the rites of sepulture even to those who died by their own hands.” (Jamieson, Fausset, Brown) “See here, contempt poured upon the wisdom of man! He that was more renowned for policy than ever any man was, played the fool with himself more than any man ever did. Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, when he sees him that was so great an oracle dying as a fool dies!” (Matthew Henry) “He knew that upon its failure would follow his own punishment.” (The Pulpit Commentary) So, after getting his affairs in order, he "hanged himself"- hastening the first death, appointed for all- “and died; and he was buried.” “Such is the inevitable end of all who set themselves against the will of God.” (Peter Pett) He now awaits Judgment of God and the certain and infinitely more awful, second death that awaits the wicked as a final punishment,
2 Samuel 17:24 Then David went to Mahanaim. And Absalom crossed over the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him. 25 And Absalom made Amasa captain of the army instead of Joab. This Amasa was the son of a man whose name was Jithra, an Israelite, who had gone in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister of Zeruiah, Joab’s mother. 26 So Israel and Absalom encamped in the land of Gilead. 27 Now it happened, when David had come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the people of Ammon, Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, 28 brought beds and basins, earthen vessels and wheat, barley and flour, parched grain and beans, lentils and parched seeds, 29 honey and curds, sheep and cheese of the herd, for David and the people who were with him to eat. For they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”
“‘Then David went to Mahanaim’ (24a) A place in the country of Gilead…. and anciently the resting-place of Jacob; where God had placed him under the protection of two hosts of angels. The king’s distress here, at this time, would naturally lead him to reflect on the distress of his great ancestor in the same place; when, being encompassed with a weak and helpless family of wives and children, as David now was, he received information that Esau was coming against him with a strong band of men.” (Joseph Benson) "The great army of the LORD of hosts consists largely of unseen agents, of forces that are not discernible except in vision or by the eye of faith. Jacob saw two squadrons of these invisible forces, which are on the side of righteous men.” (Joseph S. Exell)
“’And Absalom crossed over the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.” Not immediately, but as soon as all the men of Israel, who are here said to be with him, were gathered together to him, according to Hushai’s counsel, which required some time, during which David had an opportunity to strengthen himself…” (Benson) “The remembrance of this (Jacob’s trouble) was some relief doubtless to distressed David; for there God spoke with us, Hos 12:4 as he did likewise when he said to Joshua, ‘I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.’ (Heb 13:5. cp Gen 28:15)…” (Trapp)— “‘And Absalom made Amasa captain of the army instead of Joab.” (25) Absalom had made Amasa captain over his army instead of Joab, who had remained true to David, and had gone with his king to Mahanaim.” (Keil & Delitzsch) “By the genealogy it appears that this captain stood in the same relation to David as Joab, both being his nephews. Of course, Amasa was Absalom's cousin, and though himself an Israelite, his father was an Ishmaelite… Nahash—is thought by some to be another name of Jesse, or according to others, the name of Jesse's wife.” (Jamieson, Fausset, Brown) David's relations headed the revolt. “So Israel and Absalom encamped in the land of Gilead.” (26) “Not content that he had driven his good father to the utmost corner of his kingdom, he resolved to chase him out of the world.” (Matthew Henry)
“Now it happened, when David had come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the people of Ammon, Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, (27) brought beds and basins, earthen vessels and wheat, barley and flour, parched grain and beans, lentils and parched seeds, honey and curds, sheep and cheese of the herd, for David and the people who were with him to eat. For they said, ‘The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.’ (28-29) Here we see who David’s friends are… they are mainly pagans [but Israelites by religion]... When he arrives in Mahanaim, others meet him with soothing and strengthening means, such as beds and food.” (Ger. de Koning)
“This brings me to my second text; for angels did not meet David, but living creatures of another nature met him, who answered the purpose of David quite as well as angels would have done.” (Joseph S. Exell) “David did not put them under contribution, did not compel them to supply him, much less plunder them; but in token of their dutiful affection to him, and their sincere concern for him in his present straits, of their own good will they brought in plenty of all that which he had occasion for. Let us learn hence to be generous and open-handed, according as our ability is, to all in distress, especially great men, to whom it is most grievous, and good men, who deserve better treatment; and see how God sometimes makes up to his people that comfort from strangers which they are disappointed of in their own families.” (Matthew Henry)
“The same God that raised enmity to David from his own loins, procured him favour from foreigners: strangers shall relieve him, whom his own son persecutes: here is not a loss, but an exchange of love.” (Bishop Hall)
“The faithfulness of human love is not only the copy, but also the means and instrument of the Divine love, granted to those who bow humbly beneath God’s hand and wholly trust Him.” (Lange’s Commentary)
“David was received with kindness in the land of Gilead, on the east of Jordan, at a time when he was driven by his own son out of his own capital, Jerusalem, in his own tribe. The Jews rejected Christ, but the gospel was gladly received by Samaritans (Acts 8:4-6) and by the Gentiles (Acts 13:46-48; Acts 28:28).” (Wordsworth) “While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. Then one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.” But He answered and said to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:46-50)
“What we learn in this chapter is that we can ask the Lord for wisdom to counsel others in a way that promotes His work. This happens when we acknowledge and stimulate those who are involved in His work. It is important for all time to choose His side, which we can show by helping others in what they need so they can persevere in their way with Him.” (Ger. de Koning)
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