2 Samuel 17:15

ยถ Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.

Then said {H559} Hushai {H2365} unto Zadok {H6659} and to Abiathar {H54} the priests {H3548}, Thus and thus did Ahithophel {H302} counsel {H3289} Absalom {H53} and the elders {H2205} of Israel {H3478}; and thus and thus have I counselled {H3289}.

Then Hushai said to Tzadok and Evyatar the cohanim, "Achitofel gave such-and-such advice to Avshalom and the leaders of Isra'el, but I advised so and so.

So Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, โ€œThis is what Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and this is what I have advised.

Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.

Commentary

2 Samuel 17:15 marks a critical turning point in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Here, Hushai the Archite, David's loyal friend operating as a double agent, relays vital intelligence to the faithful priests, Zadok and Abiathar. This verse sets the stage for the swift communication that will ultimately save David's life and kingdom.

Context

This verse is situated in the midst of Absalom's coup. King David had been forced to flee Jerusalem, and in a strategic move, he sent Hushai back to the city to counter the counsel of Ahithophel, David's formerly trusted advisor who had defected to Absalom's side. Ahithophel's counsel was renowned for its shrewdness and was considered as if one had inquired of the oracle of God (2 Samuel 16:23). In the preceding verses of 2 Samuel 17, Ahithophel advised Absalom to immediately pursue David with a small, swift force (2 Samuel 17:1-4), a plan that would almost certainly have led to David's capture and death. Hushai, however, presented an alternative, seemingly more grandiose but ultimately delaying and flawed strategy, which Absalom foolishly chose (2 Samuel 17:7-14). Verse 15 is Hushai's urgent report of both counsels to David's loyal network.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: This passage powerfully illustrates God's unseen hand at work, turning the "wise" counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness and protecting His anointed king, David. It echoes Proverbs 19:21, "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand."
  • Loyalty and Treachery: The stark contrast between Hushai's unwavering loyalty to David and Ahithophel's betrayal is central. The priests Zadok and Abiathar also exemplify faithfulness, risking their lives to serve as messengers.
  • Strategic Intelligence: The act of relaying this information is crucial for David's survival. Knowing both the immediate danger (Ahithophel's original plan) and the delaying tactic (Hushai's counter-counsel) gave David precious time to escape.
  • The Power of Counsel: The narrative highlights how advice, whether wise or foolish, can profoundly impact the course of events, especially in leadership and warfare.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Thus and thus" (ื›ึผึธื–ึนืืช ื•ึฐื›ึธื–ึนืืช, ka'zot ve'ka'zot in Hebrew) is a common biblical idiom indicating that the full details of a conversation or message were conveyed. It implies a comprehensive recounting of the arguments and counter-arguments presented by Ahithophel and Hushai, without needing to repeat the lengthy speeches from the preceding verses. It emphasizes the thoroughness of Hushai's report to the priests.

Strategic Importance

Hushai's report was not merely informational; it was a call to action. By revealing Ahithophel's initial, deadly plan and the success of his own delaying tactic, Hushai provided David with vital intelligence. This knowledge allowed David to understand the immediate threat and to utilize the time gained by Hushai's intervention to cross the Jordan River and regroup (2 Samuel 17:21-22). The swift and secret communication through Zadok and Abiathar's sons was paramount to the success of this counter-intelligence operation.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the importance of discernment in heeding counsel. Not all advice, even from seemingly wise sources, is beneficial or aligned with God's will. It also underscores the value of loyal friends and trusted allies in times of crisis, those who are willing to risk their own safety for a just cause. Ultimately, it reinforces the truth that no human scheme or counsel can stand against the sovereign purposes of God. We are encouraged to trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem dire, knowing He can turn seemingly insurmountable odds in our favor.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 15:35 (2 votes)

    And [hast thou] not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, [that] what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell [it] to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.

  • 2 Samuel 15:36 (2 votes)

    Behold, [they have] there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's [son], and Jonathan Abiathar's [son]; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear.