Keraia
2 Samuel 17

2 Samuel 17:14

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

Modern
Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.
Traditional
And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the Lord had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring evil upon Absalom.
Literal
And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For YHWH had purposed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, for the sake of YHWH bringing on Absalom disaster.
Latin
Dixitque Absalom, et omnes viri Israël: Melius est consilium Chusai Arachitæ, consilio Achitophel: Domini autem nutu dissipatum est consilium Achitophel utile, ut induceret Dominus super Absalom malum.

Original

Hebrew
English
Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.

Notes

2 Samuel 17:14

  • Ahithophel’s strategy was the stronger military plan. However, Hushai had a psychological and rhetorical advantage (he understood how to persuade Absalom). He also carried out the Lord’s purpose. Because of this, Hushai gained Absalom’s favor.

  • the LORD had purposed to thwart: Although Absalom made early gains, his attempt to take the throne was doomed from the beginning.

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 Archites: Inhabitants of a region near Bethel Hushai: David's friend and advisor who helped him during Absalom's rebellion Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

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 God: Providence of, Overruling Interpositions of The Prudence: Abigail Spies used at the Court of Absalom Strategy in War The Providence of God is Exercised in Defeating Wicked Designs War: Counsels of