2 Samuel 17:18

KJV

Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless a lad {H5288} saw {H7200} them, and told {H5046} Absalom {H53}: but they went {H3212} both {H8147} of them away quickly {H4120}, and came {H935} to a man's {H376} house {H1004} in Bahurim {H980}, which had a well {H875} in his court {H2691}; whither {H8033} they went down {H3381}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But a boy saw them and told Avshalom; so both of them took off quickly and came to the house of a man in Bachurim who had a cistern in his courtyard; and they went down into it.

Berean Standard Bible

But a young man did see them and told Absalom. So the two left quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it.

American Standard Version

But a lad saw them, and told Absalom: and they went both of them away quickly, and came to the house of a man in Bahurim, who had a well in his court; and they went down thither.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures a pivotal moment during Absalom's rebellion, detailing the narrow escape of King David's loyal messengers, Ahimaaz and Jonathan. Having been entrusted with critical intelligence from Hushai, their mission to warn David was jeopardized when a young boy spotted them and reported their presence to Absalom. The narrative swiftly shifts to their resourceful evasion, finding an unexpected hiding place in a well within a man's courtyard in Bahurim, underscoring the extreme danger, divine providence, and the unwavering loyalty of those committed to David's cause.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Samuel 17:18 is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion against King David. Immediately preceding this verse, Hushai the Archite, David's loyal spy, has successfully undermined Ahithophel's counsel, persuading Absalom to delay his pursuit of David ([2 Samuel 17:7-14](/2_samuel/17-7 "2 Samuel 17:7-14 - Hushai's Counsel Prevails")). This delay was crucial for David's survival. Hushai then sends word to David via Zadok and Abiathar's sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan, warning him to cross the Jordan River immediately. Verse 18 describes the perilous journey of these messengers, their discovery by a "lad," and their desperate, divinely aided escape to deliver the life-saving message. The verses that follow detail their successful delivery of the message and David's subsequent crossing of the Jordan, securing his temporary safety ([2 Samuel 17:21-22](/2_samuel/17-21 "2 Samuel 17:21-22 - David Crosses the Jordan")). This specific incident highlights the high stakes and the intricate web of espionage and loyalty at play.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Absalom's rebellion was one of profound political instability and civil war within Israel. Absalom's coup was a direct challenge to David's divinely ordained kingship, forcing the legitimate king to flee Jerusalem ([2 Samuel 15:13-14](/2_samuel/15-13 "2 Samuel 15:13-14 - David Flees Jerusalem")). In ancient Near Eastern warfare and political intrigue, intelligence gathering was paramount. Messengers often faced extreme danger, as their capture could compromise vital information or lead to their execution. Wells or cisterns, common features in courtyards or fields for water storage, were often used as hiding places in times of crisis, as seen in other biblical narratives. Bahurim itself was a village east of Jerusalem, notable as the place where Shimei cursed David during his flight ([2 Samuel 16:5-8](/2_samuel/16-5 "2 Samuel 16:5-8 - Shimei Curses David")), adding a layer of historical irony or divine sovereignty to its role as a place of refuge here.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the Books of Samuel. **Divine Protection and Providence** are central; despite being discovered by a "lad" and reported to Absalom, the messengers' swift escape and the timely provision of a hiding place in the well point to God's active hand in preserving David and his kingdom. This aligns with the broader theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, even amidst human failure and rebellion ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). The **Urgency and Danger** of their mission are palpable, emphasizing the life-or-death stakes involved in relaying Hushai's critical intelligence. Furthermore, the **Loyalty and Resourcefulness** of David's supporters—the messengers themselves and the unnamed man in Bahurim—shine through, contrasting sharply with the treachery of Absalom and Ahithophel. This highlights the importance of faithfulness to God's anointed, even when the circumstances are dire and the king is in exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lad (נַעַר, _na'ar_):** This Hebrew term is broad, encompassing a range from a young boy to a young man or servant. In this context, it emphasizes the unexpected source of the threat. It wasn't a seasoned soldier or spy who spotted them, but a seemingly innocuous youth, highlighting the omnipresent danger and the meticulousness of Absalom's surveillance. The fact that a "lad" saw them underscores the providential nature of their escape, as it was a small detail that could have had catastrophic consequences.
* **Quickly (מַהֵר, _maher_):** This adverb highlights the immediate and decisive action taken by Ahimaaz and Jonathan upon being discovered. Their swift movement was crucial for their survival and the success of their mission. It conveys a sense of urgency, peril, and the high stakes involved, demonstrating their understanding of the gravity of the intelligence they carried.
* **Well (בְּאֵר, _be'er_):** A common feature in ancient Israelite courtyards, a well was primarily for water collection. However, in times of war or pursuit, cisterns or dry wells could also serve as hiding places. Here, it signifies an unexpected and providential refuge. The "well in his court" implies a private, domestic setting, suggesting the man who owned the house was complicit in their escape, risking his own safety for David's cause.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom:"** This opening clause immediately introduces the crisis. The "nevertheless" (וַיַּרְא, _wayyar'_) implies a sudden, unexpected turn of events, a moment of exposure despite their careful movements. The fact that a "lad" (a young, perhaps unnoticed observer) was the one to spot them adds to the narrative tension, demonstrating how easily a critical mission could be compromised by seemingly minor factors. The direct report to Absalom underscores the efficiency of Absalom's network and the immediate danger the messengers faced.
* **"but they went both of them away quickly,"** This clause describes the messengers' immediate and decisive response to being discovered. The phrase "went both of them away quickly" (וַיֵּלְכוּ שְׁנֵיהֶם מַהֵר, _wayyelkhu shneyhem maher_) emphasizes their urgency and resourcefulness. They did not hesitate or panic but reacted with speed, understanding the mortal danger they were in. This swift action was vital for their evasion of Absalom's pursuing forces.
* **"and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court;"** This part of the verse reveals their destination and the nature of their refuge. Bahurim, a village with previous associations with David's flight (where Shimei cursed him), becomes a place of unexpected aid. The detail of "a man's house... which had a well in his court" is crucial. It signifies a specific, pre-existing feature that became their means of escape, suggesting either prior knowledge of the location or divine guidance to it. The presence of the man and his house implies a safe haven provided by a loyal supporter of David.
* **"whither they went down."** This final, concise clause describes the act of hiding. "Went down" (וַיֵּרְדוּ, _wayyerdu_) clearly indicates their descent into the well, a common method of concealment in such situations. This act signifies their desperate need for refuge and the immediate, physical means of their deliverance from Absalom's pursuit. It sets the stage for the next phase of their escape, where the man's wife further aids them.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Samuel 17:18 is rich with **Narrative Tension**, created by the sudden shift from the messengers' covert operation to their immediate exposure by a "lad." This creates **Suspense**, as the reader is left to wonder if they will be captured and if David will receive his critical warning. There is a subtle **Irony** in a seemingly insignificant "lad" becoming the catalyst for such a high-stakes pursuit. The well itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing refuge, concealment, and divine provision in a time of extreme peril. The swift, almost breathless pace of the verse, moving from discovery to immediate action and descent, employs **Pacing** to heighten the drama and urgency of the situation. This dramatic episode ultimately serves as **Foreshadowing** of God's continued protection over David and the eventual failure of Absalom's rebellion, despite moments of intense danger.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This incident in Bahurim serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereign providence and His unwavering commitment to His chosen king, David, even amidst the chaos of rebellion and human treachery. Despite the meticulous plans of Absalom and the unexpected discovery by a young boy, God's protective hand is evident in the swift escape of the messengers and the timely provision of a hidden refuge. This narrative illustrates that God often works through ordinary people and mundane circumstances—a loyal homeowner, a common well—to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. It reassures us that even when we feel exposed or vulnerable in our service to God, His divine oversight can provide unexpected avenues of deliverance and ensure the fulfillment of His will. The faithfulness of Ahimaaz and Jonathan, risking their lives for David, also echoes the call for unwavering loyalty to God's purposes, trusting that He will provide the means for their completion.

* [Psalm 34:7](/psalms/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord Encamps")
* [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalms/121-7 "Psalm 121:7-8 - The Lord Will Keep You")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The perilous escape of Ahimaaz and Jonathan in 2 Samuel 17:18 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that faithfulness in God's service often involves significant risks and unexpected challenges. Just as a seemingly insignificant "lad" could jeopardize a vital mission, so too can small, unforeseen obstacles arise in our spiritual journeys or ministries. Yet, this narrative powerfully demonstrates God's capacity to provide refuge and deliverance in the most unlikely places—a well in a courtyard. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand, even when circumstances appear dire or when we feel exposed. Our task is to remain faithful to the mission God has given us, acting with urgency and resourcefulness, while resting in the assurance that He will open doors of escape or provide hidden havens when needed. This story calls us to cultivate a deep reliance on divine providence, recognizing that God's protection is not always a miraculous intervention but often works through the ordinary, the loyal, and the available resources around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the swift and resourceful action of Ahimaaz and Jonathan inspire you when facing unexpected challenges in your own life or ministry?**
* **In what "wells" or unexpected places has God provided refuge or deliverance for you in times of difficulty?**
* **What does the loyalty of David's messengers and the unnamed man in Bahurim teach us about our own commitment to God's purposes, even when it involves personal risk?**

### FAQ

**Who were Ahimaaz and Jonathan, and why were they so important to David?**

Answer: Ahimaaz and Jonathan were the sons of Zadok and Abiathar, respectively, who were the chief priests loyal to King David. They served as critical intelligence couriers for David during Absalom's rebellion. Their importance stemmed from their unwavering loyalty to David and their unique position as sons of priests, allowing them access to information from within Jerusalem, where their fathers remained. They were instrumental in relaying Hushai's vital counter-counsel to David, which warned him of Absalom's imminent attack and bought him precious time to escape across the Jordan River. Their mission, as detailed in [2 Samuel 17:15-22](/2_samuel/17 "2 Samuel 17 - Hushai's Counsel and David's Escape"), was literally life-saving for David and crucial for the eventual suppression of the rebellion.

**What is the significance of Bahurim in this narrative?**

Answer: Bahurim was a village located east of Jerusalem, along the route David took when fleeing Absalom. It holds particular significance in David's story as the place where Shimei, a relative of Saul, cursed David and threw stones at him as he fled ([2 Samuel 16:5-13](/2_samuel/16-5 "2 Samuel 16:5-13 - Shimei Curses David")). The fact that Ahimaaz and Jonathan found refuge in Bahurim, a place previously associated with hostility and humiliation for David, adds a layer of divine irony or sovereignty to the narrative. It suggests that God can turn places of past adversity into havens of deliverance. The unnamed man in Bahurim who harbored them also demonstrates that despite the widespread support for Absalom, pockets of loyalty to David remained, even in unexpected places.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of 2 Samuel 17:18, with its themes of a hidden king, loyal messengers, and providential escape from mortal danger, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Just as David, God's anointed, was forced to flee and rely on hidden loyalists and unexpected refuges, so too was Jesus, the ultimate King and Anointed One, often "hidden" or protected by divine providence until His appointed time. From His infancy, when God supernaturally preserved Him from Herod's wrath through the flight to Egypt ([Matthew 2:13-15](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13-15 - Flight to Egypt")), to moments in His ministry when He "slipped away" from those who sought to harm Him before His hour had come ([John 8:59](/john/8-59 "John 8:59 - Jesus Escapes Stoning")), Jesus' life was marked by divine protection amidst constant threats. He is the ultimate Messenger, sent by the Father to deliver the life-saving message of salvation ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). The "well" in Bahurim, a place of physical refuge, points to Christ as our ultimate spiritual refuge and the source of living water ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")). Ultimately, Jesus' "escape" from death was not a mere evasion but a triumphant resurrection, securing eternal deliverance for all who trust in Him, fulfilling God's plan to defeat sin and death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Devil")).

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 3:16

And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.

2 Samuel 16:5

¶ And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name [was] Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.

2 Samuel 19:16

¶ And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which [was] of Bahurim, hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David.