2 Samuel 17:16

KJV

Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that [are] with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore send {H7971} quickly {H4120}, and tell {H5046} David {H1732}, saying {H559}, Lodge {H3885} not this night {H3915} in the plains {H6160}{H5679} of the wilderness {H4057}, but speedily {H5674} pass over {H5674}; lest the king {H4428} be swallowed up {H1104}, and all the people {H5971} that are with him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now therefore send quickly and tell David, "Don't stay tonight in the desert plains; but, whatever it takes, move on from there! Otherwise, the king and all the people with him will be engulfed."

Berean Standard Bible

Now send quickly and tell David, ‘Do not spend the night at the fords of the wilderness, but be sure to cross over. Otherwise the king and all the people with him will be swallowed up.’”

American Standard Version

Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night at the fords of the wilderness, but by all means pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 17:16 records a pivotal moment during Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. It conveys an urgent, life-saving message from Hushai the Archite, David's loyal double agent, warning David of imminent danger from Absalom's forces and advising him to immediately cross the Jordan River to escape certain destruction. This swift action was crucial to prevent David and his remaining loyalists from being overwhelmed and annihilated.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a dramatic strategic battle of wits between Ahithophel, Absalom's shrewd advisor, and Hushai, David's secretly loyal friend. Following Absalom's successful coup in Jerusalem, David had fled the city ([2 Samuel 15:13](/2_samuel/15-13 "2 Samuel 15:13 - David Flees Jerusalem")). Ahithophel, whose counsel was highly esteemed ([2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Counsel")), advised Absalom to immediately pursue David with a small, swift force to strike him down before he could regroup. David, upon hearing of Ahithophel's counsel, prayed that the Lord would "[turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - David's Prayer Regarding Ahithophel's Counsel")". God answered this prayer through Hushai, who, feigning loyalty to Absalom, offered counter-counsel. Hushai's persuasive argument convinced Absalom to reject Ahithophel's immediate attack in favor of a larger, more comprehensive mobilization, which would take more time ([2 Samuel 17:7-13](/2_samuel/17-7 "2 Samuel 17:7-13 - Hushai's Counter-Counsel to Absalom")). This delay was divinely orchestrated and absolutely critical for David's survival ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")). Verse 16 is Hushai's immediate follow-up, dispatching a vital warning via Zadok and Abiathar's sons, Jonathan and Ahimaaz, to inform David of the danger and urge him to cross the Jordan River without delay.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds in ancient Israel during the period of the monarchy, a time when succession disputes and rebellions were not uncommon. Absalom's rebellion was particularly potent due to his charismatic appeal and David's recent moral failings. Kings often relied on trusted advisors, and the counsel of figures like Ahithophel carried immense weight, often seen as divinely inspired. The Jordan River served as a significant geographical barrier and a strategic defensive line. Crossing it meant moving into the Transjordan region, which offered more rugged terrain for defense, potential allies, and a greater distance from Absalom's immediate reach in Jerusalem. The "plains of the wilderness" likely refers to the arid, vulnerable areas west of the Jordan, where David's small, weary company would be exposed to a swift attack. The urgency of the message reflects the ancient military reality where surprise attacks and rapid movements were decisive.

* **Key Themes:** The passage highlights several profound themes. **Urgency and Imminent Danger** are palpable, conveyed by the repeated calls for speed and the dire warning of being "swallowed up." This underscores the extreme peril David faced and the critical nature of Hushai's intelligence. **Loyalty and Strategic Intelligence** are central, as Hushai's unwavering faithfulness to David, even while operating undercover at great personal risk, proves instrumental in saving the king's life. His cunning and strategic thinking exemplify the value of faithful allies in times of crisis. Most importantly, the entire episode powerfully demonstrates **Divine Providence**. Although not explicitly stating God's direct command in this verse, the preceding context makes it clear that Hushai's successful counter-counsel was God's direct intervention to protect David and preserve his kingdom ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God's Purpose in Frustrating Counsel")). God used human agents, their wisdom, and their actions to achieve His sovereign purposes, even in the midst of political turmoil and personal betrayal.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **quickly (Hebrew, _maher'_):** This adverb, repeated in the verse ("send quickly," "speedily pass over"), emphasizes the extreme urgency of the situation. It conveys a sense of immediate necessity, indicating that any delay could be fatal. It's not merely a suggestion but a desperate plea for swift action, highlighting the razor-thin margin of safety David had.
* **pass over (Hebrew, _'avar'_):** Literally meaning "to cross over," in this context it specifically refers to crossing the Jordan River. This act signifies a strategic retreat to a safer, more defensible position. It implies not just movement, but a definitive shift in location to escape immediate danger and gain time and geographical advantage against the pursuing forces.
* **swallowed up (Hebrew, _bālaʿ'_):** This vivid verb means to engulf, consume, or utterly destroy. It paints a picture of total annihilation, not just defeat or capture, but complete obliteration. The imagery evokes a predator devouring its prey, emphasizing the totality of the danger David and his people faced had they been caught by Absalom's forces. This powerful word underscores the critical nature of Hushai's warning and the need for immediate, decisive action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying,"**: This opening phrase conveys the immediate and urgent command from Hushai to his messengers, Zadok and Abiathar's sons. "Now therefore" links this message directly to the preceding events, particularly Hushai's successful frustration of Ahithophel's counsel. The imperative "send quickly" sets the tone for the entire message, emphasizing speed as the paramount factor.
* **"Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness,"**: This is a direct, negative command, warning David against remaining in his current vulnerable location. The "plains of the wilderness" refers to the exposed, low-lying areas west of the Jordan, where David's small, exhausted group would be easily found and overwhelmed by Absalom's rapidly mobilizing army. To "lodge" implies settling down for the night, which would be a fatal mistake.
* **"but speedily pass over;"**: This is the positive, urgent command, providing the solution to the immediate danger. "Speedily" reiterates the need for haste, reinforcing the "quickly" from the beginning of the verse. "Pass over" refers to crossing the Jordan River, which would put a significant natural barrier between David and Absalom's forces, buying David precious time to regroup and strategize.
* **"lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that [are] with him."**: This clause reveals the dire consequence of inaction and the reason for the extreme urgency. The phrase "swallowed up" is a powerful metaphor for complete destruction or annihilation. It indicates that Ahithophel's plan, if executed, would result in the total defeat and death of David and everyone loyal to him. This highlights the high stakes of the rebellion and the critical nature of Hushai's warning.

#### Literary Devices
The passage effectively employs several **literary devices** to heighten its dramatic tension and convey its urgent message. **Imagery** is powerfully used in the phrase "swallowed up," which evokes a vivid and terrifying picture of complete engulfment and annihilation, underscoring the existential threat David faced. The repeated use of words like "quickly" and "speedily" creates a palpable sense of **Urgency**, driving the narrative forward with a rapid pace that mirrors the critical need for immediate action. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony**, as Absalom and his advisors are unaware that Hushai, whom they believe to be loyal, is actively working against them to save David. This hidden truth adds a layer of suspense and highlights the divine hand at work behind the scenes. Furthermore, the passage contains **Foreshadowing**, as Hushai's warning of impending doom, coupled with his strategic counter-counsel, subtly hints at David's eventual deliverance and Absalom's ultimate defeat, reinforcing the theme of divine providence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This critical verse, while seemingly a simple military warning, is deeply embedded in a larger theological narrative of God's sovereign protection over His anointed king. It demonstrates that even when human plots are meticulously crafted and seem unstoppable, God can, and often does, intervene through unexpected means and seemingly ordinary human agents to frustrate the plans of the wicked and preserve His purposes. Hushai's loyalty and strategic brilliance are not merely human attributes but are divinely empowered to serve God's overarching plan for David and his kingdom. The urgency of the message also speaks to the reality of spiritual warfare, where vigilance and decisive action are often required to escape the schemes of the enemy. It reminds us that God's deliverance often comes through human cooperation with divine wisdom, highlighting the importance of discerning and heeding wise counsel, especially when it aligns with God's protective hand.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of the Nations")
* [Proverbs 21:30-31](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30-31 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for the Good of Those Who Love Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Hushai's warning to David offers profound lessons for believers today. In our own lives, we often face situations where we feel "swallowed up" by circumstances, opposition, or the schemes of others. This passage encourages us to remember that God is sovereign even over the most cunning human plots. It reminds us of the importance of seeking and heeding wise counsel, especially from those who demonstrate unwavering loyalty to God's truth and to us. Just as David's prayer was answered through Hushai's strategic intervention, we are called to pray for wisdom and discernment, trusting that God can use unexpected people and circumstances to provide deliverance. Furthermore, the urgency in Hushai's message underscores the need for decisive action when God reveals a clear path or warns of impending danger. Procrastination in the face of divine guidance can have dire consequences. Finally, the story celebrates the profound value of loyal friendship and community, reminding us to cultivate relationships with those who will stand with us and speak truth into our lives, even at great personal risk.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "swallowed up" or overwhelmed, and how can remembering God's providence in 2 Samuel 17:16 strengthen your faith?**
* **How do you discern wise counsel from foolish counsel in your own life, and what role does prayer play in that process?**
* **When have you experienced God using unexpected means or individuals to bring about deliverance or protection in your life?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate loyal and wise friendships like that of Hushai and David in your own life?**
* **Are there any "plains of the wilderness" in your life where you are lingering, and what "Jordan River" might God be urging you to "speedily pass over" for your safety or spiritual growth?**

### FAQ

**What was Ahithophel's original counsel, and why was it so dangerous for David?**

Answer: Ahithophel's original counsel to Absalom was to immediately pursue David with a small, hand-picked force of 12,000 men, striking him down while he was weary and vulnerable in the wilderness, before he could regroup or gather strength ([2 Samuel 17:1-3](/2_samuel/17-1 "2 Samuel 17:1-3 - Ahithophel's Counsel to Absalom")). This plan was exceptionally dangerous because it was strategically sound and designed for a swift, decisive victory. Ahithophel understood that David, though a formidable warrior, was currently on the run and demoralized. A rapid, overwhelming assault would have caught David unprepared, likely resulting in his death and the complete collapse of his loyalists, effectively ending the rebellion in Absalom's favor.

**How did Hushai manage to frustrate Ahithophel's counsel, and what was his counter-proposal?**

Answer: Hushai frustrated Ahithophel's counsel by pretending to be a loyal advisor to Absalom, offering a counter-proposal that appealed to Absalom's vanity and desire for a grand, overwhelming victory. Hushai argued that David was a seasoned warrior, not easily caught, and that a small force risked defeat. Instead, he proposed gathering all of Israel, "from Dan even to Beersheba," to march against David with an immense army, ensuring a total, undeniable victory where David and his forces would be "swallowed up" like dew on the ground ([2 Samuel 17:7-13](/2_samuel/17-7 "2 Samuel 17:7-13 - Hushai's Counter-Counsel to Absalom")). This counsel, though seemingly more impressive, bought David the crucial time he needed to escape and regroup.

**How does this event demonstrate God's hand at work in the narrative?**

Answer: This event powerfully demonstrates God's hand at work in several ways. Firstly, David had explicitly prayed that God would "[turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - David's Prayer Regarding Ahithophel's Counsel")". The success of Hushai's counter-counsel is presented as a direct answer to this prayer. Secondly, the text explicitly states, "For 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 - God Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")). This verse clearly attributes the frustration of Ahithophel's plan and the acceptance of Hushai's counsel to God's sovereign will and intervention. God used Hushai as His instrument to protect David and ensure the continuation of His covenant promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The urgent warning to King David in 2 Samuel 17:16, urging him to "speedily pass over" to avoid being "swallowed up," finds its ultimate spiritual fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, as the anointed king, faced a rebellion that threatened his very existence, foreshadowing the spiritual rebellion of humanity against God. Just as Hushai's wisdom and loyalty saved David from imminent destruction, Christ is the ultimate "wise counsel" and "loyal friend" who delivers humanity from the threat of eternal death and judgment. The imagery of being "swallowed up" by an enemy vividly portrays the power of sin and death, which held humanity captive. However, Christ, through His death and resurrection, conquered these enemies, ensuring that those who trust in Him will not be "swallowed up" by the grave or eternal separation from God. He is the one who calls us to "pass over" from death to life ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Passing from Death to Life")), from darkness to light ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")), and from the dominion of sin to the freedom of His grace ([Romans 6:22](/romans/6-22 "Romans 6:22 - Freed from Sin")). His urgent call to repentance and faith is the divine "send quickly" that secures our eternal safety, allowing us to "lodge not" in the vulnerable plains of sin, but to "speedily pass over" into the secure kingdom of God, where we are eternally safe in Him ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")).

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 15:28

See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.

1 Corinthians 15:54

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

2 Corinthians 5:4

For we that are in [this] tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

2 Samuel 20:19

I [am one of them that are] peaceable [and] faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?

2 Samuel 20:20

And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.

2 Samuel 17:21

And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told king David, and said unto David, Arise, and pass quickly over the water: for thus hath Ahithophel counselled against you.

2 Samuel 17:22

¶ Then David arose, and all the people that [were] with him, and they passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan.