Ahithophel advises immediate pursuit with twelve thousand men to strike David alone while he is weary and his people will scatter; this seems good to Absalom. But Hushai is summoned and counters: David and his warriors are enraged like a bereaved bear, David himself won't be found among the troops, initial casualties will panic your forces, and Israel should gather massively with Absalom personally leading. Absalom and Israel prefer Hushai's counsel—for the LORD ordained to defeat Ahithophel's good advice and bring disaster on Absalom. Hushai warns David through the priests' sons to cross the Jordan immediately; Ahithophel, seeing his counsel rejected, goes home, sets his affairs in order, and hangs himself. David reaches Mahanaim where supporters provide beds, food, and supplies.
Read 2 Samuel Chapter 17 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
King of Israel whose reign is chronicled with both triumphs and failures
Woman with whom David committed adultery, later mother of Solomon
Prophet who confronted David about his sin and delivered God's covenant
David's son who rebelled and tried to take the throne
David's military commander, loyal but sometimes ruthless
Faithful Friend of David
Places in This Chapter
Beersheba, meaning "Well of the Oath," was the southernmost major city of Israel. Abraham and Isaac both dug wells and made covenants here. It marked the traditional southern boundary of Israel in the phrase "from Dan to Beersheba." Hagar wandered in its wilderness, and Elijah fled here.
The wilderness refers to the desert regions of Sinai and Judea. Israel wandered here for 40 years after the Exodus. John the Baptist preached in the wilderness of Judea, and Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness for 40 days. It represents testing, preparation, and encounter with God.
Gilead was a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, known for its healing balm and rich pastures. It was home to the prophet Elijah and the judge Jephthah. Jacob and Laban made their covenant at a cairn of stones they named Galeed (Gilead). The region was allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.
Position in Book
Sin with Bathsheba, Nathan's rebuke, death of the child, Absalom's rebellion and death.