2 Samuel 17:11

Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that [is] by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.

Therefore I counsel {H3289} that all Israel {H3478} be generally {H622} gathered {H622} unto thee, from Dan {H1835} even to Beersheba {H884}, as the sand {H2344} that is by the sea {H3220} for multitude {H7230}; and that thou go {H1980} to battle {H7128} in thine own person {H6440}.

Rather, I advise that you summon all Isra'el to come to you, from Dan to Be'er-Sheva, numbering as many as sand grains on the seashore; and then you go to battle, yourself.

Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beersheba—a multitude like the sand on the seashore—be gathered to you, and that you yourself lead them into battle.

But I counsel that all Israel be gathered together unto thee, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.

Commentary

In 2 Samuel 17:11, we hear the deceptive counsel of Hushai the Archite to Absalom, designed to thwart the superior advice of Ahithophel and ultimately save King David. Hushai, loyal to David but acting as a double agent, proposes a grand, yet fatally slow, military strategy to Absalom, appealing to the rebellious prince's vanity and desire for overwhelming force.

Context

This verse is pivotal in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. After Ahithophel, David's former trusted counselor, defects to Absalom's side and offers shrewd advice for an immediate, decisive strike against David (2 Samuel 17:1-4), David prays that the Lord would turn Ahithophel's counsel into foolishness. God answers this prayer through Hushai, whom David sends back to Jerusalem specifically to counter Ahithophel's plans (2 Samuel 15:32-37). Hushai's counter-proposal, outlined in this verse, is a masterpiece of strategic deception, crafted to appeal to Absalom's ego and delay him, giving David precious time to escape and regroup.

Key Themes

  • Divine Intervention: The narrative clearly shows God's hand at work, actively frustrating Ahithophel's sound advice through Hushai's cunning, demonstrating God's providence in protecting His anointed king.
  • Strategic Deception: Hushai's counsel is a brilliant, though morally complex, act of espionage. He crafts a plan that sounds impressive and appeals to Absalom's desire for glory, while actually being detrimental to his cause.
  • Leadership and Ego: Hushai shrewdly plays on Absalom's vanity by suggesting he lead the vast army in person, a move that would ultimately put Absalom in greater danger and contribute to his downfall.
  • The Value of Time: The core purpose of Hushai's advice was to buy David time. Gathering "all Israel" would take days, allowing David to cross the Jordan and prepare for battle (2 Samuel 17:22).

Linguistic Insights

  • "from Dan even to Beersheba": This phrase is a common biblical idiom representing the entire geographical breadth of Israel, from its northernmost point (Dan) to its southernmost (Beersheba). It signifies the gathering of the entire nation, emphasizing the vastness and unity Hushai falsely promises.
  • "as the sand that is by the sea for multitude": This vivid simile is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe an innumerable host or countless descendants, often associated with God's promises to Abraham (Genesis 22:17). Hushai employs it here to paint a picture of an overwhelming, unbeatable force, appealing to Absalom's desire for a glorious victory.

Strategic Deception Unpacked

Hushai's proposal directly countered Ahithophel's counsel for a swift, surgical strike. While Ahithophel's plan was militarily sound and likely to succeed, Hushai presented a grander, more appealing vision to Absalom: a massive, unified national effort. By suggesting a full mobilization "from Dan even to Beersheba," Hushai ensured a significant delay, as such a gathering would take considerable time. Furthermore, advocating that Absalom "go to battle in thine own person" appealed to Absalom's desire for personal glory and prominence, but it also placed him squarely in harm's way, a risk Ahithophel's plan avoided by focusing on David alone.

Practical Application

This passage illustrates the profound truth that God can orchestrate events and even use human strategies, including deception, to accomplish His divine will and protect His chosen people. It reminds us that what appears to be "wise" in human terms (Ahithophel's initial counsel) can be confounded by God's providence. We can learn to trust that God is at work, even behind the scenes, shaping circumstances to fulfill His purposes. It also serves as a cautionary tale against pride and vanity, which can blind leaders to sound advice and lead to their downfall, as seen in Absalom's acceptance of Hushai's flattering counsel.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 22:17 (5 votes)

    That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which [is] upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

  • Psalms 9:16 (3 votes)

    The LORD is known [by] the judgment [which] he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.

  • Joshua 11:4 (3 votes)

    And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that [is] upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many.

  • Judges 20:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.

  • 2 Samuel 12:28 (2 votes)

    Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and encamp against the city, and take it: lest I take the city, and it be called after my name.

  • 1 Kings 20:10 (2 votes)

    And Benhadad sent unto him, and said, The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me.

  • 1 Kings 4:20 (2 votes)

    ¶ Judah and Israel [were] many, as the sand which [is] by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry.