2 Samuel 15:34

KJV

But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; [as] I [have been] thy father's servant hitherto, so [will] I now also [be] thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.

KJV (with Strong's)

But if thou return {H7725} to the city {H5892}, and say {H559} unto Absalom {H53}, I will be thy servant {H5650}, O king {H4428}; as I have been thy father's {H1} servant {H5650} hitherto {H227}, so will I now also be thy servant {H5650}: then mayest thou for me defeat {H6565} the counsel {H6098} of Ahithophel {H302}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if you go back to the city and tell Avshalom, 'King, I will be your servant; just as I was your father's servant in the past, so I will now be your servant'- then you will be able to frustrate Achitofel's advice for me.

Berean Standard Bible

But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’

American Standard Version

but if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father’s servant in time past, so will I now be thy servant; then wilt thou defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 15:34 captures a pivotal moment in Absalom's rebellion, where King David, in desperate flight from Jerusalem, instructs his loyal friend Hushai the Archite to return to the city. David charges Hushai with a perilous mission: to feign allegiance to Absalom and, from within his inner circle, strategically undermine and ultimately frustrate the highly esteemed counsel of Ahithophel, David's former advisor who had defected to Absalom. This verse sets in motion a divinely orchestrated counter-intelligence operation designed to protect David and thwart the coup.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the dramatic narrative of Absalom's rebellion against King David, beginning in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion Begins"). Immediately preceding this verse, David has fled Jerusalem, weeping and barefoot, a king in deep distress. As he ascends the Mount of Olives, he encounters Hushai, who has torn his clothes in grief and has dust on his head, signifying his mourning and loyalty. David initially suggests Hushai remain with him, but then devises a strategic plan, sending Hushai back to Jerusalem. The verses that follow in [2 Samuel 16-17](/2_samuel/16 "2 Samuel 16-17 - Ahithophel's and Hushai's Counsel") vividly detail Hushai's execution of this command, culminating in his successful frustration of Ahithophel's counsel and Ahithophel's subsequent suicide. The immediate narrative flow highlights David's vulnerability, his strategic acumen, and the unwavering loyalty of his faithful servants.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Israel during the monarchy, a period marked by political intrigue, dynastic struggles, and the constant threat of internal and external conflict. Absalom's rebellion was a civil war that deeply divided the nation. In this era, counsel was not merely advice but a critical component of leadership and warfare. Advisors like Ahithophel held immense power, their words often regarded as divine wisdom, as noted in [2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Counsel as the Oracle of God"). Loyalty oaths and fealty were paramount, and betrayal, especially by a trusted advisor, was a profound shock. David's flight underscores the precariousness of kingship and the personal toll of such conflicts. The use of spies and counter-intelligence, though morally complex, was a recognized tactic in ancient Near Eastern warfare and political maneuvering.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 2 Samuel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that even amidst human chaos and desperate strategies, God is actively at work. David's plan, though humanly conceived, becomes an instrument of God's will, as explicitly stated in [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel"). Secondly, it highlights the profound theme of **Loyalty and Betrayal**, contrasting Hushai's unwavering faithfulness with Ahithophel's shocking defection. Thirdly, the narrative emphasizes **The Power of Counsel**, showcasing how strategic advice can determine the fate of a kingdom, and the critical importance of discerning between wise and destructive counsel. Finally, it explores the **Moral Complexity of Warfare and Deception**, presenting a scenario where a loyal servant engages in strategic deception for a righteous cause, raising questions about means and ends.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servant (Hebrew, _'eved'_):** The term "servant" (עֶבֶד, _'eved'_) is central to Hushai's feigned allegiance. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, "servant" denoted a relationship of submission, loyalty, and duty, often implying a binding oath. By instructing Hushai to declare himself Absalom's servant, David is orchestrating a profound deception. Hushai is to outwardly adopt the posture of complete subservience and fidelity to Absalom, mirroring his past loyalty to David, thereby gaining Absalom's trust and access to his inner circle. This word underscores the dangerous theatricality of Hushai's mission.
* **Counsel (Hebrew, _'etsah'_):** The Hebrew word for "counsel" (עֵצָה, _'etsah'_) refers to a well-considered plan, advice, or strategy. Ahithophel's counsel was renowned for its sagacity and practical effectiveness, often described as if one were inquiring of God himself ([2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Counsel as the Oracle of God")). David understood that Ahithophel's strategic advice was the greatest threat to his survival and the most potent weapon in Absalom's arsenal. The contest was not merely between armies, but between the wisdom of advisors.
* **Defeat/Frustrate (Hebrew, _hapar'_):** The verb "defeat" or "frustrate" (הָפַר, _hapar'_) signifies to break, annul, bring to nothing, or render useless. David's instruction to Hushai was not merely to offer alternative advice, but specifically to nullify the effect of Ahithophel's counsel. This implies a proactive and destructive intent: Hushai's mission was to discredit Ahithophel's advice, cause delay, and ultimately prevent Absalom from acting upon it. This word highlights the critical nature of Hushai's task and its direct opposition to Ahithophel's influence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if thou return to the city":** This clause establishes the dangerous premise of Hushai's mission. David is sending his loyal friend back into a city now controlled by his rebellious son, Absalom. This is a high-stakes directive, placing Hushai in immediate peril and requiring immense courage and commitment.
* **"and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; [as] I [have been] thy father's servant hitherto, so [will] I now also [be] thy servant":** This is the core of the deception. Hushai is instructed to feign absolute loyalty to Absalom, using language that mimics his long-standing service to David. The repetition of "thy servant" emphasizes the complete submission Hushai must outwardly display to gain Absalom's trust. This strategic lie is designed to infiltrate Absalom's inner circle and gain access to his decision-making processes.
* **"then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel":** This final clause articulates the ultimate objective of Hushai's perilous mission. The purpose of his feigned loyalty and infiltration is singularly focused on undermining and nullifying the advice of Ahithophel. This reveals David's astute understanding of the threat Ahithophel posed and his strategic brilliance in countering it through indirect means.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Hushai's profound loyalty to David is expressed through a deliberate act of feigned disloyalty to Absalom. The very words of allegiance ("I will be thy servant") become a deceptive tool in service of a greater truth. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as David's desperate plea for Hushai to "defeat the counsel of Ahithophel" directly sets up the dramatic confrontation between Hushai and Ahithophel's advice in the subsequent chapters, ultimately leading to Ahithophel's downfall. The entire scenario is imbued with **Dramatic Tension**, as the reader is aware of the immense danger Hushai faces and the high stakes of his mission, creating suspense regarding the outcome of this strategic gamble.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates the interplay between human strategy and divine sovereignty. David's desperate plan, born of immediate crisis, is not merely a clever human maneuver but becomes the very instrument through which God works to preserve His anointed king and frustrate the schemes of the wicked. While David devises the plan, the narrative explicitly states that "the Lord had purposed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring evil upon Absalom" ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")). This highlights that God can use unexpected means, even morally complex ones like strategic deception, to achieve His righteous purposes, demonstrating His ultimate control over human events and the futility of any counsel or plan that stands against His will.

* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of the Nations")
* [Isaiah 44:25](/isaiah/44-25 "Isaiah 44:25 - God Frustrates the Omens of Liars")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Hushai's mission offers profound insights for contemporary believers. In moments of crisis, when circumstances seem overwhelming and betrayal is rampant, we are reminded that God is not absent but actively working behind the scenes, often through unexpected and even unconventional means. David's strategic thinking, coupled with Hushai's courageous loyalty, teaches us the value of both wisdom in planning and faithfulness in execution, even when the path is fraught with danger and moral ambiguity. It challenges us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when our immediate circumstances are chaotic, and to recognize that He can turn the schemes of adversaries to nothing. Moreover, it underscores the critical importance of discerning counsel in our own lives, seeking wisdom that aligns with God's truth rather than that which appears shrewd but ultimately leads to destruction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge our understanding of God's sovereignty working through human action, even when those actions involve strategic deception?**
* **What does Hushai's loyalty teach us about true friendship and commitment, especially in times of adversity and personal risk?**
* **How can we discern "good" counsel from "bad" counsel in our own lives, particularly when the latter may appear wise or expedient?**

### FAQ
**Was Hushai's deception morally justifiable?**

Answer: This is a complex ethical question. From a purely ethical standpoint, deception is generally condemned in biblical teaching (e.g., [Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment")). However, the biblical narrative often presents instances where deception is employed by righteous figures in the context of warfare or to protect life, and these actions are not explicitly condemned, and sometimes even implicitly affirmed by their outcomes (e.g., the Hebrew midwives in [Exodus 1:15-21](/exodus/1-15 "Exodus 1:15-21 - The Hebrew Midwives")). In Hushai's case, his deception was not for personal gain but to protect God's anointed king and to thwart a wicked rebellion that threatened the stability of Israel. The narrative explicitly states that "the Lord had purposed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel" ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")), suggesting divine endorsement of the outcome, even if the means were unconventional. This highlights the "dirty hands" dilemma in a fallen world, where difficult choices must sometimes be made in service of a greater good.

**Why was Ahithophel's counsel considered so dangerous?**

Answer: Ahithophel was renowned for his extraordinary wisdom and strategic acumen. His counsel was so highly regarded that it was "as if one consulted the oracle of God" ([2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Counsel as the Oracle of God")). His advice was always practical, decisive, and usually led to success. For instance, he advised Absalom to publicly lie with David's concubines, a move designed to irrevocably alienate David from the people and solidify Absalom's claim to the throne ([2 Samuel 16:20-22](/2_samuel/16-20 "2 Samuel 16:20-22 - Ahithophel's Counsel to Absalom")). His subsequent advice to immediately pursue David with 12,000 men was militarily sound and would likely have led to David's capture and death, effectively crushing the rebellion before it could regroup ([2 Samuel 17:1-4](/2_samuel/17-1 "2 Samuel 17:1-4 - Ahithophel's Counsel to Pursue David")). David recognized that Ahithophel's wisdom, now turned against him, was the most potent threat to his survival.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of 2 Samuel 15:34, with its focus on the frustrating of wicked counsel and the triumph of divine purpose through seemingly weak means, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as Ahithophel's shrewd but ultimately self-serving counsel was defeated, so too the "wisdom of this world" and the schemes of the "prince of this world" are utterly confounded by the "foolishness" of God's plan in Christ ([1 Corinthians 1:20-25](/1_corinthians/1-20 "1 Corinthians 1:20-25 - The Wisdom of God and the Foolishness of the World")). The cross, which appeared to be the ultimate defeat for God's anointed, was in fact the strategic masterpiece that "disarmed the powers and authorities" and "made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Jesus, the true and perfect Son of David, is the ultimate wise Counselor, whose counsel is always true and whose plans can never be thwarted ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Wonderful Counselor")). He demonstrates ultimate loyalty to the Father, even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")), and through His perfect obedience, He defeats the counsel of the adversary, securing eternal victory for His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 15:20

Whereas thou camest [but] yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth [be] with thee.

2 Samuel 17:5

Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.

2 Samuel 17:14

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.

Matthew 10:16

¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Joshua 8:2

And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves: lay thee an ambush for the city behind it.

2 Samuel 16:16

And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king.

2 Samuel 16:19

And again, whom should I serve? [should I] not [serve] in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence.