2 Samuel 17:17

Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.

Now Jonathan {H3083} and Ahimaaz {H290} stayed {H5975} by Enrogel {H5883}; for they might {H3201} not be seen {H7200} to come {H935} into the city {H5892}: and a wench {H8198} went {H1980} and told {H5046} them; and they went {H3212} and told {H5046} king {H4428} David {H1732}.

Y'honatan and Achima'atz were staying at 'Ein-Rogel; a female servant was to go and tell them, and they in turn were to go and tell King David - for it would not do to have them seen entering the city.

Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, for they dared not be seen entering the city.

Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying by En-rogel; and a maid-servant used to go and tell them; and they went and told king David: for they might not be seen to come into the city.

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:17 (KJV)

This verse captures a pivotal moment in the dramatic narrative of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. It highlights the intricate intelligence network operating behind the scenes, crucial for David's survival and eventual restoration to the throne.

Context

At this point in Absalom's revolt, David has fled Jerusalem, and Absalom has seized control of the city. David's loyal spy, Hushai the Archite, has successfully countered the deadly counsel of Ahithophel, Absalom's former advisor. Hushai's strategy was to advise Absalom to delay his pursuit of David, giving David time to escape across the Jordan River. This verse details the critical relay of Hushai's life-saving message to David. Ahithophel had advised an immediate, decisive strike, which would have likely led to David's capture and death. Hushai, however, proposed a more elaborate, time-consuming plan, which was divinely orchestrated to be accepted by Absalom, allowing David to escape.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence and Protection: The entire chain of events, from Hushai's successful counter-counsel to the timely delivery of the message, underscores God's active hand in protecting David. It demonstrates how God can use seemingly ordinary people and circumstances to achieve His purposes.
  • Loyalty and Courage: Jonathan and Ahimaaz, sons of the priests Abiathar and Zadok, exhibit immense courage by risking their lives to serve David. Their commitment to David's cause, even in the face of great danger, is a powerful theme. The unnamed "wench" also plays a vital, brave role.
  • The Importance of Intelligence and Communication: This verse illustrates the critical role of timely and accurate information in warfare and survival. The success of David's escape hinges entirely on the efficient and secretive communication of Hushai's intelligence.
  • Hidden Heroes: The "wench" (or maidservant) is an unsung hero. Her willingness to go, despite the danger, highlights that significant contributions can come from unexpected sources, often from those in humble positions.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "wench" might sound derogatory today, but in older English, it simply referred to a young woman or maidservant. The original Hebrew word is na'arah (Χ Φ·Χ’Φ²Χ¨ΦΈΧ”), meaning "young woman" or "girl." Her role is significant because it was dangerous for David's messengers to be seen in the city. The fact that a young woman was entrusted with this crucial task speaks to her reliability and the desperate need for secrecy.

Related Scriptures

The details of Ahithophel's and Hushai's contrasting counsels can be found in 2 Samuel 17:1-14. This verse sets the stage for David's urgent flight, as instructed in 2 Samuel 17:21-22, where he and his people cross the Jordan River to safety.

Practical Application

This passage reminds us that God often works through ordinary people and seemingly small acts. The maidservant's action, though brief, was instrumental in saving David's life. It encourages believers to be faithful in their assigned tasks, no matter how minor they may seem, because they might be part of a larger, divinely orchestrated plan. It also highlights the value of discernment, trustworthy communication, and relying on God's protection during times of adversity, knowing that He is our refuge and deliverer.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 15:36 (6 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.

  • 2 Samuel 15:27 (5 votes)

    The king said also unto Zadok the priest, [Art not] thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.

  • Joshua 15:7 (5 votes)

    And the border went up toward Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that [is] before the going up to Adummim, which [is] on the south side of the river: and the border passed toward the waters of Enshemesh, and the goings out thereof were at Enrogel:

  • Joshua 18:16 (5 votes)

    And the border came down to the end of the mountain that [lieth] before the valley of the son of Hinnom, [and] which [is] in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel,

  • 1 Kings 1:9 (2 votes)

    And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which [is] by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants:

  • Joshua 2:4 (2 votes)

    And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they [were]:

  • Joshua 2:24 (2 votes)

    And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.