2 Samuel 17:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And the advice seemed right in the eyes of Absalom and all the elders of Israel.

NIV: This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.

NASB: And the plan pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel.

CSB: This proposal seemed right to Absalom and all the elders of Israel.

NLT: This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.

KJV: And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.

NKJV: And the saying pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel.

Ahithophel is wise in the ways of the world (2 Samuel 16:23). First, he told Absalom to have sex with David's concubines, This would reassure the people that Absalom would not betray his followers by trying to make amends with David. The gesture shows Absalom is severed from David and dedicated to being king (2 Samuel 16:20–22). Now, Ahithophel has offered to take immediately available men to hunt David before the king can catch his breath. They'll kill David and bring back his people, like friends of the bridegroom rescuing a kidnapped bride (2 Samuel 17:1–3). Absalom and the elders believe Ahithophel's plan will work.

Neither Absalom nor Ahithophel know that God allowed them to rebel against David and take Jerusalem for an extremely specific purpose. As David took Uriah's wife and had him murdered, so God promised that another would sleep with David's wives and betray him (2 Samuel 12:9–12). Now that they have fulfilled God's curse on David, they need to pay for their sin against him.

David set that stage by convincing his old friend Hushai to infiltrate Absalom's court and counter Ahithophel's advice (2 Samuel 15:32–37; 16:16–19). When Absalom asks Hushai what he thinks of Ahithophel's plan, Hushai will be ready. He will tell Absalom it's no good. He will suggest that David and his men aren't going to scatter in the face of an army. They're too experienced—and far too angry. As soon as Ahithophel's army sees blood, they'll lose all courage (2 Samuel 17:5–10).

Instead, Hushai will suggest Absalom call on men from throughout the twelve tribes. Then a massive army can join under their new king to overwhelm David and his fighting men (2 Samuel 17:11–13). This suggestion plays on Absalom's vanity, fear, and inexperience. Absalom falls for Hushai's secret sabotage, a mistake that gives David time. Hushai goes to the priests and gives them a message for their sons. David receives the warning: to cross the Jordan with his people and get to safety (2 Samuel 17:14–22).

Second Samuel 17:1–4 records Ahithophel's last good advice. He's been Absalom's advisor through the rebellion against David and the invasion of Jerusalem. With David and his people on the run, Ahithophel wants to move quickly with a small force, kill David, and bring back David's servants. David's spy, Hushai, will counter that David and his men are experienced and angry, and Absalom should gather and lead a much bigger army. While Hushai uses the time to warn David to get his people to safety, Ahithophel puts his affairs in order and kills himself (2 Samuel 17:5–23).

David's cunning plan to thwart Absalom works. David enlisted Hushai's help to counter Ahithophel's advice (2 Samuel 15:31–37). Ahithophel wants to take a small force and move immediately to kill only David while he is still fleeing. Hushai suggests they wait, gather a larger army, and destroy David's men. Absalom agrees with Hushai. Hushai sends warnings through the priests and their sons, and David and his people safely cross the Jordan River. As Absalom reaches the Jordan, local leaders care for the exiles. David's army has time to get organized and prepare for battle (2 Samuel 18:1–15).

God's prior instruments of judgment see justice done to themselves. Absalom and Ahithophel rebelled against David, but now God's curses against David are complete (2 Samuel 12:9–13; 16:13, 20–23). The advisor Ahithophel watches helplessly as David's spy Hushai undermines his authority. Seeing the end, Ahithophel kills himself. Hushai helps David and his people to flee to safety. David has time to organize his fighting forces and send them into battle. In one day, they defeat Absalom's army. Against David's will, they also kill Absalom (2 Samuel 18:1–15). Now, David must do the hard work of reconciling the nation.