2 Samuel 17:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
This verse encapsulates a critical juncture in Absalom's rebellion, detailing the perilous and divinely orchestrated relay of life-saving intelligence to King David. It vividly portrays the courage and strategic actions of David's loyal network—Jonathan, Ahimaaz, and an unnamed maidservant—whose timely and secretive communication ensured the king's escape from immediate capture, underscoring the intricate interplay of human faithfulness and divine providence in preserving David's life and the future of his kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned at the climax of the intelligence war between David and Absalom, immediately following the crucial counsel given to Absalom. In [2 Samuel 17:1-14](/2_samuel/17-1-14 "2 Samuel 17:1-14 - Ahithophel's and Hushai's Counsel"), Absalom's trusted advisor, Ahithophel, proposed an immediate and devastating pursuit of David, which would have almost certainly led to David's demise. However, David's loyal spy, Hushai the Archite, successfully countered this deadly advice with a more elaborate and time-consuming plan, a maneuver explicitly stated in [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God Thwarts Ahithophel's Counsel") to be divinely orchestrated for David's protection. Verse [2 Samuel 17:15](/2_samuel/17-15 "2 Samuel 17:15 - Hushai Sends Word to the Priests") immediately precedes our verse, depicting Hushai sending his urgent message to the priests Zadok and Abiathar, whose sons, Jonathan and Ahimaaz, are the direct recipients of the message in [2 Samuel 17:17](/2_samuel/17-17 "2 Samuel 17:17 - Jonathan and Ahimaaz at Enrogel"). The successful delivery of this intelligence directly precipitates David's urgent flight across the Jordan River, as detailed in [2 Samuel 17:21-22](/2_samuel/17-21-22 "2 Samuel 17:21-22 - David's Escape Across the Jordan"), thereby securing his safety and paving the way for his eventual restoration to the throne.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Absalom's rebellion, which began in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion and David's Flight"), had forced King David to flee Jerusalem, leaving the capital under Absalom's control. This created an extraordinarily volatile and dangerous environment for anyone associated with David, making open communication impossible. Enrogel, a prominent spring or well located just southeast of Jerusalem's walls at the confluence of the Kidron and Hinnom Valleys, served as a well-known landmark and a strategic, albeit risky, clandestine meeting point. In ancient Near Eastern warfare and political upheavals, intelligence gathering and swift, secretive communication were paramount for survival. Messengers often faced grave danger, and the use of seemingly inconspicuous individuals, such as women or servants, was a common and effective tactic to avoid detection by enemy forces. The narrative powerfully underscores the high stakes of this period, where David's life and the very future of his divinely appointed kingdom hung precariously in the balance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it unmistakably highlights **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, illustrating how God actively intervenes in human affairs, using seemingly ordinary people and circumstances to achieve His purposes and protect His anointed king. The acceptance of Hushai's counsel over Ahithophel's is explicitly attributed to God's will in [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God's Plan to Thwart Ahithophel"), setting the stage for the events of our verse. Secondly, the verse powerfully showcases profound **Loyalty and Courage** in the face of treachery and immense personal risk. Jonathan and Ahimaaz, sons of the high priests, exhibit immense bravery by risking their lives as messengers for David, embodying unwavering commitment to their king even when his cause appeared lost. The unnamed "wench" (maidservant) further exemplifies this theme, acting with remarkable courage and quick thinking in a perilous situation. Thirdly, the passage emphasizes the **Critical Role of Intelligence and Communication** in times of crisis. David's survival hinges entirely on the efficient, accurate, and secretive transmission of Hushai's intelligence, illustrating how timely and secure information can be a matter of life and death, a theme echoed in other biblical accounts of strategic communication, such as in [Joshua 2](/joshua/2 "Joshua 2 - Rahab and the Spies"). Finally, the narrative subtly introduces the theme of **Hidden Heroes and Unexpected Instruments**, as the maidservant, a person of humble status, plays an absolutely vital and decisive role in the unfolding events, demonstrating God's consistent pattern of using the overlooked to fulfill His grand purposes, a pattern seen throughout the biblical narrative, from [Moses's mother](/exodus/2 "Exodus 2 - The Birth of Moses") to [the boy with the loaves and fish](/john/6-9 "John 6:9 - The Boy with the Loaves and Fish").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stayed (Hebrew, _ʿâmad_):** This verb signifies "to stand," "to remain," or "to abide." In this context, it conveys a deliberate, fixed waiting, implying a pre-arranged and patient posture. Jonathan and Ahimaaz were not merely passing by; they were positioned at Enrogel with a specific purpose, enduring the tension and danger of their hidden vigil. The word emphasizes their commitment to their post and the critical nature of their mission, requiring them to "stand firm" in their assigned role.
* **Enrogel (Hebrew, _ʿÊyn Rôgêl_):** Meaning "Fountain of the Fuller" or "Spring of the Foot," Enrogel was a well-known spring and landmark located just southeast of Jerusalem, at the confluence of the Kidron and Hinnom Valleys. Its strategic location outside the city walls made it a suitable, albeit risky, clandestine meeting point for those who wished to avoid detection within the city. For Jonathan and Ahimaaz, it was a necessary hiding place from which they could receive the crucial message without being seen by Absalom's loyalists. The name itself, potentially linked to "foot" or "traveler," subtly hints at its use as a transit point.
* **wench (Hebrew, _shiphchâh_):** The King James Version's translation "wench" might carry a derogatory connotation in modern English, but in 17th-century English, it simply referred to a "young woman" or "maidservant." The original Hebrew word, _shiphchâh_, is a neutral term for a female slave or servant, often a member of the household. Her role in this narrative is far from insignificant; she is the courageous and quick-thinking individual who, despite the danger, delivers the critical intelligence to David's waiting messengers, highlighting that God often uses the seemingly insignificant to accomplish great things.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel;":** Jonathan, the son of Abiathar, and Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, were the designated couriers for Hushai's urgent message to King David. As sons of the high priests, they were trusted by David and had access to crucial intelligence channels. Their position "by Enrogel" indicates a pre-arranged, discreet waiting location outside the city walls, chosen specifically to avoid being seen entering or leaving Jerusalem, which was now under Absalom's hostile control. Their patient "staying" underscores the tension and anticipation of their critical mission.
* **"for they might not be seen to come into the city:":** This clause explicitly states the paramount reason for their clandestine location and the method of relay. The danger of being discovered by Absalom's forces was immense; their capture would have jeopardized David's life and the entire counter-intelligence operation. This highlights the high stakes, the necessity of absolute secrecy, and the careful planning involved in this desperate situation to protect the king.
* **"and a wench went and told them;":** This is the pivotal action of the verse, demonstrating the ingenious and courageous execution of the intelligence relay. Due to the extreme danger for Jonathan and Ahimaaz, a young maidservant from within the city was dispatched to relay the message that Hushai had given to the priests. Her willingness to undertake this perilous task, crossing potentially hostile territory within the city to reach the hidden messengers, demonstrates remarkable courage and loyalty. Her anonymous yet decisive role highlights that crucial contributions can come from unexpected sources, often from those in humble or overlooked positions, serving as a testament to God's ability to use anyone for His purposes.
* **"and they went and told king David.":** This final clause confirms the successful completion of the vital intelligence relay. Upon receiving the urgent message from the maidservant, Jonathan and Ahimaaz immediately proceeded to deliver it to King David. This swift and successful transmission of information was instrumental in allowing David to take the necessary evasive action, ensuring his survival and setting the stage for the eventual turning of the tide against Absalom's rebellion. It represents the culmination of a divinely orchestrated plan to preserve David's life and kingship.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [2 Samuel 17:17](/2_samuel/17-17 "2 Samuel 17:17 - The Critical Message") is rich with literary techniques that heighten its impact and underscore its theological significance. **Narrative Tension** is palpable throughout the passage, as the reader is acutely aware of the life-or-death stakes involved in the delivery of Hushai's message. The very act of Jonathan and Ahimaaz hiding by Enrogel, "for they might not be seen," immediately establishes a sense of imminent danger and the urgent need for secrecy, creating a suspenseful atmosphere. The introduction of the "wench" serves as a powerful example of **Understatement** or **Irony**, as a seemingly minor and unnamed character, a humble maidservant, becomes the crucial and decisive link in a chain of events that will determine the fate of a king and an entire kingdom. Her courageous and quick action provides a subtle but profound example of **Heroism**, demonstrating that significant contributions can come from unexpected and humble sources, a recurring motif in biblical literature. The entire sequence, from Hushai's counter-counsel to the maidservant's relay and David's subsequent escape, also functions as a powerful illustration of **Divine Providence** woven seamlessly into the human narrative, where seemingly coincidental or human-initiated events are revealed to be part of God's overarching plan to protect His anointed and fulfill His purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's active and intricate involvement in human history, often working through humble and unexpected means to achieve His divine purposes. The entire chain of events, from Hushai's divinely inspired counsel being accepted over Ahithophel's ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God Thwarts Ahithophel's Counsel")) to the timely and courageous actions of the maidservant and the messengers, underscores the profound theme of divine providence. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even in the midst of chaos, rebellion, and seemingly insurmountable odds, and that He can use anyone, regardless of their status or perceived importance, to accomplish His will. The unwavering loyalty and remarkable courage displayed by David's supporters also serve as a powerful testament to faithfulness in adversity, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history and points to the enduring power of steadfast devotion to God's anointed.
* [Psalm 18:2](/psalm/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - God as a Mighty Deliverer")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage serves as a profound reminder that God often works through ordinary people and seemingly small acts to accomplish His grand purposes. The maidservant's action, though brief and easily overlooked in the broader narrative, was absolutely instrumental in saving David's life and, by extension, preserving the Davidic line through which the Messiah would eventually come. This encourages believers to embrace faithfulness in their daily tasks, no matter how minor or insignificant they may seem in the grand scheme of things, recognizing that they might be part of a larger, divinely orchestrated plan. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of courage and loyalty in our service to God and others, even when circumstances are challenging or dangerous, trusting that our obedience, however small, can have eternal ramifications. Furthermore, it highlights the enduring value of trustworthy communication and the necessity of relying on God's protection during times of adversity, knowing that He is our ultimate refuge and deliverer, orchestrating events for our good and His glory, even when we cannot perceive His hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this account challenge our perception of what constitutes "important" or "heroic" work in God's kingdom, particularly through the example of the unnamed maidservant?**
* **In what "small" or seemingly insignificant ways might God be calling you to act faithfully today, trusting that He can use your obedience for His greater purposes, even if the outcome is unseen by you?**
* **What does the courage of the maidservant, Jonathan, and Ahimaaz teach us about responding to difficult or dangerous situations with faith and unwavering loyalty?**
* **How can we better discern God's providential hand at work in our own lives, even amidst chaos, uncertainty, or apparent setbacks?**

### FAQ
**Who were Jonathan and Ahimaaz, and why were they chosen for this mission?**

Answer: Jonathan and Ahimaaz were the sons of the high priests Abiathar and Zadok, respectively. They were chosen for this mission due to their unwavering loyalty to King David and their privileged access to information through their fathers, who remained in Jerusalem as David's trusted agents. As trusted individuals within David's inner circle and with connections to the religious establishment, they were ideal for relaying the critical intelligence from Hushai to David while avoiding suspicion. Their priestly lineage also lent a certain authority and trust to their mission, though their primary qualification here was their steadfast faithfulness to David in a time of great peril.

**What was Enrogel, and why was it a significant location in this narrative?**

Answer: Enrogel was a well-known spring or well located just outside the walls of Jerusalem, in the Kidron Valley, a prominent landmark in the area. It was a significant location in this narrative because its position outside the city made it a strategic and relatively discreet hiding spot for Jonathan and Ahimaaz. They could wait there, away from the watchful eyes of Absalom's forces within the city, making it a crucial point for the clandestine transfer of the life-saving message to David. Its function as a meeting point for those who needed to avoid detection within the city walls was key to the success of this vital intelligence operation.

**Why is the "wench" (maidservant) so important to this story, despite being unnamed?**

Answer: The unnamed "wench" or maidservant is critically important because she served as the direct, indispensable link in the chain of communication that ultimately saved King David's life. Jonathan and Ahimaaz could not risk entering the city themselves without being seen, so a trusted individual from within Jerusalem was needed to carry the message to them. Her willingness to undertake this dangerous task, crossing potentially hostile territory to deliver vital intelligence, highlights her remarkable courage, quick thinking, and loyalty. Her anonymous yet decisive role underscores the biblical theme that God often uses the humble, the overlooked, or the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His greatest purposes, demonstrating that every act of faithfulness, no matter how small, can have profound and far-reaching consequences in His divine plan, as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Lowly").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic deliverance of King David in [2 Samuel 17:17](/2_samuel/17-17 "2 Samuel 17:17 - The Critical Message") through a network of loyal, courageous, and even unexpected individuals, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. David, as God's anointed king and a type of the coming Messiah, was providentially protected to ensure the continuation of the messianic line, a lineage that would culminate in the birth of the true King, Jesus. Just as David was preserved from the treachery of Absalom and the immediate threat of death, so too was Christ, the Son of David, preserved through His earthly ministry to accomplish His redemptive work on the cross, ultimately triumphing over sin and death. The "hidden" work of God, orchestrating events through a humble maidservant and loyal messengers to save David, foreshadows the deeper, hidden wisdom of God revealed in Christ's seemingly humble incarnation and sacrificial death, which appeared as weakness to the world but was in fact God's ultimate power for salvation ([1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - God's Foolishness and Weakness")). The loyal messengers, Jonathan and Ahimaaz, risking their lives for their king, prefigure the apostles and all believers who, as messengers of the Gospel, faithfully proclaim the life-saving message of Christ to a world in rebellion against its true King ([Romans 10:15](/romans/10-15 "Romans 10:15 - How Beautiful Are the Feet of Those Who Preach")). Ultimately, David's escape from death and his eventual restoration to his throne foreshadow the resurrection and glorious reign of Jesus, who, having suffered and died for the sins of humanity, was raised to sit at the right hand of God, securing eternal deliverance and an everlasting kingdom for all who believe ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Exaltation and Priesthood")).

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 15:36

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.