Keraia
2 Samuel 17

2 Samuel 17:11

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

Translations

Modern
Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beersheba—a multitude like the sand on the seashore—be gathered to you, and that you yourself lead them into battle.
Traditional
Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beer–sheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.
Literal
Therefore I counsel that all Israel be diligently gathered to you, from Dan and to Beersheba, like the sand that is by the sea for multitude, and your face will be walking in the battle.
Latin
Sed hoc mihi videtur rectum esse consilium. Congregetur ad te universus Israël, a Dan usque Bersabee, quasi arena maris innumerabilis: et tu eris in medio eorum.

Original

Hebrew
English
Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beersheba—a multitude like the sand on the seashore—be gathered to you, and that you yourself lead them into battle.

Notes

2 Samuel 17:11

The nationwide military draft from Dan to Beersheba (the northern and southern limits of Israel) aimed to create a much stronger army.

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

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Places

Beersheba: Important city in southern Israel, associated with the patriarchs Dan: Israelite tribe; city in northern Israel; originally called Laish/Leshem

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