2 Samuel 17:12

KJV

So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of him and of all the men that [are] with him there shall not be left so much as one.

KJV (with Strong's)

So shall we come {H935} upon him in some {H259} place {H4725} where he shall be found {H4672}, and we will light {H5168} upon him as the dew {H2919} falleth {H5307} on the ground {H127}: and of him and of all the men {H582} that are with him there shall not be left {H3498} so much as {H1571} one {H259}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In this way we'll come upon him wherever he is, and we'll fall on him as the dew falls on the ground; of him and all the men with him we won't leave even one alive.

Berean Standard Bible

Then we will attack David wherever we find him, and we will descend on him like dew on the ground. And of all the men with him, not even one will remain.

American Standard Version

So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground; and of him and of all the men that are with him we will not leave so much as one.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 17:12 captures the chilling and ruthless counsel of Ahithophel to Absalom, outlining a strategic plan for the total annihilation of King David and his loyal followers during Absalom's rebellion. This verse highlights Ahithophel's cunning military acumen and his desire for a swift, overwhelming, and utterly destructive strike, designed to leave no survivor and thus secure Absalom's usurped throne. It stands as a pivotal moment in the narrative, setting the stage for the dramatic divine intervention that ultimately frustrates Ahithophel's "good" counsel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a critical strategic debate within the narrative of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Following Absalom's entry into Jerusalem and his public defilement of David's concubines (a symbolic act of claiming the throne, as seen in [2 Samuel 16:20-23](/2-samuel/16-20 "2 Samuel 16:20-23 - Ahithophel's Counsel to Absalom")), the immediate concern is how to deal with David, who has fled. Ahithophel, David's former trusted counselor now turned traitor, initially advises a swift pursuit with a small force to kill David alone ([2 Samuel 17:1-4](/2-samuel/17-1 "2 Samuel 17:1-4 - Ahithophel's Initial Counsel")). However, when Absalom seeks a second opinion from Hushai, David's loyal spy, Ahithophel presents this more elaborate and devastating plan. The tension builds as Absalom must choose between two vastly different strategies, a choice that will determine the fate of the rebellion and David's life. The immediate literary context is the direct competition between Ahithophel's "good" counsel and Hushai's divinely inspired counter-counsel, which ultimately prevails.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Israel during the period of the monarchy, specifically the tumultuous time of Absalom's revolt against his father, King David, around the 10th century BCE. Rebellions against reigning monarchs were not uncommon, and securing the throne often involved the complete eradication of potential rivals and their supporters, particularly the former king's loyalists. Ahithophel's advice reflects a brutal military reality of the time: total victory often meant leaving no survivors to mount a future challenge or avenge their fallen leader. The concept of "dew" as a pervasive, silent, and inescapable force would have been immediately understood in an agrarian society dependent on natural phenomena. The geographical context is the region around Jerusalem and the wilderness beyond, where David had fled, making him a moving target.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of [2 Samuel](/2-samuel/1 "2 Samuel - The Reign of King David"). Firstly, it underscores the theme of **ruthless ambition and total war**, characteristic of the political struggles of the ancient Near East, where the pursuit of power often led to extreme violence and the desire for complete annihilation of opposition. Ahithophel’s counsel exemplifies this, aiming for absolute destruction to solidify Absalom's reign. Secondly, it highlights the profound theme of **human cunning versus divine providence**. Ahithophel's plan, while strategically brilliant and seemingly foolproof from a human perspective, is ultimately thwarted by God's intervention through Hushai's counter-counsel, as explicitly stated in [2 Samuel 17:14](/2-samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel"). This demonstrates God's sovereignty over human affairs, even in the midst of political intrigue and rebellion. Finally, the verse touches on the **fragility of human loyalty** and the **consequences of sin**, as David's own family is torn apart by Absalom's rebellion, a consequence stemming from David's earlier transgressions (e.g., [2 Samuel 12:7-12](/2-samuel/12-7 "2 Samuel 12:7-12 - Nathan's Prophecy to David")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Light upon (Hebrew, _nāphal'_):** The Hebrew verb נָפַל (_nāphal_) primarily means "to fall." In this context, the KJV's "light upon" captures the nuanced sense of falling upon someone or something in an aggressive, sudden, and overwhelming manner, akin to an attack or ambush. It conveys the idea of a swift, decisive descent, leaving no opportunity for escape or defense. This choice of verb emphasizes the intended suddenness and force of the proposed attack.
* **Dew (Hebrew, _ṭal'_):** The Hebrew noun טַל (_ṭal_) refers to "dew." In the arid climate of ancient Israel, dew was a vital source of moisture, especially during the dry season. Its characteristic is that it falls silently, pervasively, and covers everything without warning, permeating every surface. As a metaphor, it powerfully conveys the idea of an inescapable, widespread, and overwhelming force that infiltrates every corner, leaving no place untouched and no one able to hide or escape.
* **Not be left so much as one (Hebrew, _lo' nish'ar bo gam echad'_):** This phrase, literally "there will not be left in him even one," underscores the absolute and total nature of the desired destruction. It is a declaration of intent for complete annihilation, leaving no survivors, no remnants, and no potential for future resistance. This extreme language highlights the ruthlessness of Ahithophel's strategic mindset and the high stakes of the rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found":** This clause indicates the certainty and determination of the pursuit. Ahithophel is confident that David, despite his flight, will be located. The phrase "in some place where he shall be found" suggests a comprehensive search and an inevitable confrontation, implying that David's hiding place will be discovered, and the attack will be launched wherever he is.
* **"and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground":** This is the core of Ahithophel's strategy, employing a vivid simile. The comparison to "dew" illustrates the intended nature of the attack: it will be silent, pervasive, overwhelming, and inescapable. Just as dew settles everywhere, covering every blade of grass and every surface, so too would Absalom's forces swarm David and his men, leaving no one untouched or able to escape their grasp. It speaks to a strategy of saturation and complete encirclement.
* **"and of him and of all the men that [are] with him there shall not be left so much as one":** This final clause articulates the ultimate goal of the attack: total eradication. It is a declaration of intent to kill David and every single man loyal to him, ensuring no survivors. This level of brutality was common in ancient warfare when securing a throne, aiming to eliminate all future threats and consolidate power through absolute destruction.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **literary devices**. The most prominent is the **simile** "as the dew falleth on the ground." This comparison vividly illustrates the intended nature of the attack: silent, pervasive, overwhelming, and inescapable. The dew, which covers everything without warning, serves as a powerful metaphor for a military force that will saturate and envelop David's contingent, leaving no escape. This imagery creates a sense of dread and inevitability. The phrase "not be left so much as one" is an example of **hyperbole**, emphasizing the absolute and complete nature of the desired annihilation, though in the context of ancient warfare, it could also be a literal objective. The overall tone of the verse is one of grim **determination** and **ruthlessness**, reflecting Ahithophel's strategic brilliance and his cold, calculating approach to warfare and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ahithophel's counsel in 2 Samuel 17:12, while demonstrating his strategic genius, stands as a stark example of human wisdom operating independently of, and in opposition to, divine will. The proposed total annihilation of David and his men highlights the brutal realities of power struggles in a fallen world, where human ambition often leads to extreme violence and a desire for absolute control. Theologically, this passage serves as a powerful illustration of God's sovereignty, demonstrating that even the most cunning and well-laid human plans can be thwarted by divine intervention. It underscores the biblical principle that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, even when faced with formidable human opposition. This narrative arc reminds believers that God is at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events to fulfill His redemptive plan, often through unexpected means.

* [2 Samuel 17:14](/2-samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")
* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Prevails")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling counsel of Ahithophel in 2 Samuel 17:12 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a potent reminder that human wisdom, no matter how brilliant or strategically sound, is ultimately subordinate to divine sovereignty. In a world often driven by ruthless ambition and the pursuit of power at any cost, this narrative challenges us to consider whose counsel we truly follow. Do we trust in our own ingenuity and strength, or do we humbly submit to God's guiding hand, even when His path seems less efficient or more challenging? The frustration of Ahithophel's "good" counsel by God's intervention through Hushai provides immense comfort, assuring us that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, capable of turning the most dangerous plots of adversaries to accomplish His purposes. It encourages us to pray for divine wisdom and discernment, recognizing that true success and security come not from cunning strategies of annihilation, but from aligning our lives with God's will and trusting in His unfailing providence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely solely on human wisdom or cunning, rather than seeking God's guidance?**
* **How does the narrative of God thwarting Ahithophel's plan encourage me when facing seemingly insurmountable opposition or complex challenges?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the nature of power and the dangers of unchecked ambition, both in personal and societal contexts?**

### FAQ
**Was Ahithophel's counsel truly "good" from a military perspective?**

Answer: Yes, from a purely military and strategic standpoint, Ahithophel's counsel was considered exceptionally "good" or sound. [2 Samuel 16:23](/2-samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Counsel as if from God") explicitly states, "The counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom." His plan for immediate, overwhelming, and total destruction of David's forces was designed to prevent David from regrouping and to decisively end the rebellion. Had his counsel been followed, it is highly probable that David and his men would have been annihilated. The text emphasizes that it was God Himself who "defeated the good counsel of Ahithophel" ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2-samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")), not that it was inherently flawed from a human military perspective.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 17:12 depicts a plan of total annihilation against King David, it ultimately serves as a powerful backdrop for understanding the divine protection of God's anointed king and, by extension, the ultimate triumph of God's eternal King, Jesus Christ. David, though a flawed earthly king, was a type of Christ, chosen by God to rule His people. The humanly brilliant but ruthless plan to utterly destroy him foreshadows the relentless efforts of spiritual adversaries to defeat God's redemptive purposes. However, just as God supernaturally intervened to save David from Ahithophel's counsel, so too did God ensure the ultimate victory of His Son. The "dew" imagery, intended for destruction here, contrasts sharply with Christ, who came not to annihilate but to give life, and whose coming is often described with life-giving imagery, as when He speaks of giving "living water" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water")). The ultimate "not one left" in the New Testament is not of destruction, but of salvation, as Jesus declares that He will lose "not one" of those the Father has given Him ([John 6:39](/john/6-39 "John 6:39 - Jesus Will Lose None")). The narrative of David's miraculous escape points forward to the resurrection of Christ, where death, the ultimate enemy, was utterly defeated, ensuring that not "one" of God's elect will be lost, but all will be raised up at the last day ([John 6:40](/john/6-40 "John 6:40 - Resurrection of Believers")). Thus, Ahithophel's failed plot against David ultimately magnifies the invincible sovereignty of God, who protects His chosen ones and guarantees the triumph of His Christ.

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

Isaiah 10:13

For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done [it], and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant [man]:

Isaiah 10:14

And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs [that are] left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.

Obadiah 1:3

The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation [is] high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?

1 Kings 20:10

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.

2 Kings 18:23

Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.

2 Kings 19:24

I have digged and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of besieged places.

1 Samuel 23:23

See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.