2 Samuel 17:1-23

2 SAMUEL—NOTE ON 2 Samuel 17:1 This chapter presents the crucial contest between Ahithophel (Absalom’s ally) and Hushai (David’s ally) before Absalom and the elders of Israel (vv. 2 Samuel 17:4, 2 Samuel 17:14). Ahithophel offers the good advice to attack and kill David immediately. With no one else to turn to, he says, the whole country would embrace Absalom. If this advice had been followed, it is likely that David would have been defeated. But Absalom decides to also hear advice from Hushai. Hushai gives a time-consuming speech that flatters Absalom, giving David enough time to regroup and prepare for battle. Hushai knows that if Ahithophel’s advice is accepted, there will be no time to lose. So even before he hears the council’s response he sends word to David that he should at least cross the Jordan River (vv. 2 Samuel 17:15). The council rejects Ahithophel’s good advice in favor of Hushai’s misleading advice. The poor decision leads to Absalom’s defeat. When Absalom finally gathers his army and goes after David (v. 2 Samuel 17:24), David is already in Mahanaim in Gilead, with the forest of Ephraim (2 Samuel 18:6) between him and Absalom.