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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Samuel 17:15–21.
We must now leave David's enemies pleasing themselves with the thoughts of a sure victory by following Hushai's counsel, and sending a summons, no doubt, to all the tribes of Israel, to come to the general rendezvous at a place appointed, pursuant to that counsel; and we next find David's friends consulting how to get him notice of all this, that he might steer his course accordingly. Hushai tells the priests what had passed in council, Sa2 17:15. But, it should seem, he was not sure but that yet Ahithophel's counsel might be followed, and was therefore jealous lest, if he made not the best of his way, the king would be swallowed up, and all the people that were with him, Sa2 17:16. Perhaps, as he was called in to give advice (Sa2 17:5), so he was dismissed before they came to that resolve (Sa2 17:14) in favour of his advice, or he feared they might afterwards change their mind. However, it was good to provide against the worst, and therefore to hasten those valuable lives out of the reach of these destroyers. Such strict guards did Absalom set upon all the avenues to Jerusalem that they had much ado to get this necessary intelligence to David. 1. The young priests that were to be the messengers were forced to retire secretly out of the city, by En-rogel, which signifies, as some say, the fountain of a spy. Surely it went ill with Jerusalem when two such faithful priests as they were might not be seen to come into the city. 2. Instructions were sent to them by a poor simple young woman, who probably went to that well under pretence of fetching water, Sa2 17:17. If she carried the message by word of mouth, there was danger of her making some mistake or blunder in it; but Providence can make an ignorant girl a trusty messenger, and serve its wise counsels by the foolish things of the world. 3. Yet, by the vigilance of Absalom's spies, they were discovered, and information was brought to Absalom of their motions: A lad saw them and told him, Sa2 17:18. 4. They, being aware that they were discovered, sheltered themselves in a friend's house in Bahurim, where David had refreshed himself but just before, Sa2 16:14. There they were happily hidden in a well, which now, in summer time, perhaps was dry, Sa2 17:18. The woman of the house very ingeniously covered the mouth of the well with a cloth, on which she spread corn to dry, so that the pursuers were not aware that there was a well; else they would have searched it, Sa2 17:19. Thus far the woman did well; but we know not how to justify her further concealing them with a lie, Sa2 17:20. We must not do evil that good may come of it. However, hereby the messengers were protected, and the pursuers were defeated and returned to Absalom without their prey. It was well that Absalom did not hereupon fall upon their two fathers, Zadok and Abiathar, as Saul on Ahimelech for his kindness to David: but God restrained him. Being thus preserved, they brought their intelligence very faithfully to David (Sa2 17:21), with this advice of his friends, that he should not delay to pass over Jordan, near to which, it seems, he now was. There, as some think, he penned the 42nd and 43rd Psalms, looking back upon Jerusalem from the land of Jordan, Psa 42:6.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
And what shall we say about the deed of the woman who received those who had been sent to King David by the aforementioned Hushai and who hid them in a well, spreading a cover over the mouth of it and making believe that she was drying barley? “They went on,” she said, “after having drunk a little water,” and by this trick she saved them from the hands of their pursuers. Tell me, then, I ask you, what you would have done if a similar situation had arisen for you who now live under the gospel. Would you have chosen to conceal them by a similar lie, saying in the same way, “They went on after having drunk a little water,” thus fulfilling what is commanded, “Do not spare [your help] to save those who are being led to death and to redeem those who are being slain” Or by speaking the truth would you have given over those who were hidden to those who were going to kill them? What, then, of the apostle’s words? “Let no one seek what is [to] his own [benefit] but rather [to] what is another’s.” And, “Love does not seek what is its own but rather what belongs to others.” And what he says about himself, “I do not seek what is beneficial to me but what is beneficial to the many, so that they may be saved.” For if we seek what is ours and wish to hold on obstinately to what is beneficial to us, we shall have to speak the truth even in difficulties of this sort, and we shall become guilty of another’s death. But if we fulfill the apostolic command by placing what is helpful to others ahead of our own well-being, without a doubt the necessity of lying will be imposed upon us.
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Summary
In a moment of dire peril during Absalom's rebellion against King David, 2 Samuel 17:19 recounts the swift and ingenious action of an unnamed woman in Bahurim. As David's messengers, Jonathan and Ahimaaz, were pursued by Absalom's forces, they sought refuge in a well. This courageous woman, with remarkable presence of mind, concealed their hiding place by spreading a covering over the well's mouth and then scattering ground corn on top, effectively disguising the well as a mundane domestic area and ensuring the messengers' safety and the critical intelligence they carried reached King David.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is a pivotal moment within the broader narrative of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Following David's hasty flight from Jerusalem, his loyal advisor Hushai successfully infiltrated Absalom's court and countered the deadly counsel of Ahithophel, advising a delay that would allow David to escape. The crucial intelligence regarding Ahithophel's original, dangerous plan was entrusted to Jonathan and Ahimaaz, sons of the priests, who were tasked with delivering it to David (2 Samuel 17:15). However, they were spotted and pursued by Absalom's men (2 Samuel 17:18). Their desperate flight led them to Bahurim, where this unnamed woman's quick thinking became instrumental in their survival, directly preceding David's successful crossing of the Jordan River and regrouping of his forces, setting the stage for the eventual confrontation.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Israelite society relied heavily on wells as vital sources of water for both human and animal consumption, making them common features in villages and along travel routes. The act of spreading "ground corn" (likely parched or crushed grain) over the well's mouth would have been a highly effective disguise. This was a common domestic activity, as grain was often spread out to dry or for preparation (e.g., for grinding into flour or making bread). Such a scene would appear entirely innocuous to pursuers, diverting suspicion from the well as a hiding place. The woman's action also highlights the significant risk involved; harboring fugitives, especially those loyal to a deposed king, carried severe penalties, potentially even death, underscoring her immense courage and loyalty in a time of intense political upheaval and civil war.
Key Themes
The immediate theme is Divine Providence working through human agents. While the focus is on the woman's ingenuity, the successful outcome of her actions implicitly points to God's guiding hand in protecting David and his loyalists, ensuring the failure of Absalom's revolt. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative where God often uses unexpected means to achieve His purposes, as seen in the deliverance of Israel through Moses at the Red Sea or the unexpected rise of figures like Esther to save her people. Another prominent theme is Loyalty and Courage, exemplified by the unnamed woman who risks her life for David's cause, mirroring the loyalty shown by Hushai and others. Resourcefulness and Human Ingenuity are also central, as the woman utilizes everyday items and common knowledge to devise a clever and effective deception. This episode underscores how God can use seemingly ordinary individuals and mundane circumstances to accomplish extraordinary purposes.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root means "to take (in the widest variety of applications)." In this context, it signifies a decisive and immediate action on the woman's part. She actively "took" control of the situation, gathering the necessary items for her ingenious deception, indicating her quick thinking and purposeful intent.
This noun refers to "a cover, i.e., veil; covering, curtain, hanging." It describes the physical barrier placed over the well's mouth. This was not merely a random cloth, but something specifically chosen or used to obscure the opening, highlighting a deliberate and effective act of concealment designed to hide the messengers from view.
This term refers to "grits (as pounded)," specifically parched or crushed grain, likely barley or wheat. The use of "ground corn" (or parched grain) is key to the deception. It wasn't just raw grain, which might look out of place, but grain in a state of preparation, making the scene appear like a normal domestic activity, such as drying grain or preparing it for consumption, thus diverting any suspicion.
This primitive root means "to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition)." In the negative "was not known," it emphasizes the complete success of the woman's ruse. It means "it was not found out" or "it was not discovered," indicating that the pursuers searched but remained entirely unaware of the messengers' presence, highlighting the critical outcome of her quick thinking.
Verse Breakdown
"And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth"
This clause highlights the woman's decisive and immediate action. Upon learning of the messengers' predicament and their hiding place in the well, she did not hesitate. The "covering" was the first layer of concealment, physically obscuring the opening of the well where Jonathan and Ahimaaz were hidden. Her promptness was crucial in a high-stakes situation, demonstrating her quick wit and resolve.
"and spread ground corn thereon"
This describes the ingenious second layer of deception. By scattering parched or crushed grain over the covering, she created the illusion of a mundane domestic scene. This act transformed a potential hiding place into what appeared to be an ordinary area for drying or preparing food, a common sight in ancient Israelite households, thereby making the well seem entirely unremarkable to any casual observer or pursuer. This clever detail was essential to the success of her ruse.
"and the thing was not known"
This final clause succinctly states the successful outcome of her quick wit and courage. Despite the pursuers' search, the elaborate yet simple disguise worked perfectly. The messengers remained hidden, and the vital intelligence they carried was preserved, ultimately ensuring David's safety and the continuation of his cause against Absalom's rebellion. This success was a critical turning point in the narrative, demonstrating divine providence working through human ingenuity.
Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Samuel 17:19 is rich with literary devices that amplify its impact and theological significance. Irony is prominently featured, as a simple, everyday domestic act—spreading grain to dry—becomes the means of concealing a critical military secret, thwarting a rebellion, and saving lives. The mundane is elevated to the miraculous through human ingenuity. There is also a strong element of Understatement in the phrase "and the thing was not known," which subtly conveys the immense success of the deception without overtly stating the dramatic implications for David's survival and the future of the kingdom. The Anonymity of the woman is also a powerful device; by not naming her, the text emphasizes that God can use anyone, even the seemingly insignificant, to accomplish His purposes, highlighting the theme of divine providence working through unexpected channels. The Symbolism of the well as a place of refuge and life, and the grain as a symbol of sustenance and everyday life, are interwoven to underscore how ordinary elements can be transformed into instruments of extraordinary deliverance.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The account of the unnamed woman in Bahurim powerfully illustrates God's providential care for His people, often working through the seemingly insignificant and the unexpected. Her quick thinking and courageous action are not merely human ingenuity but are implicitly guided by a divine hand, ensuring the preservation of David's messengers and the vital intelligence they carried. This narrative reminds us that God is actively involved in the details of human history, using ordinary individuals and their everyday resources to accomplish His extraordinary purposes, especially in times of crisis. It underscores the biblical truth that "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord" (Proverbs 21:31), and that God's ways are often hidden from human perception, yet perfectly executed.
Reflection and Application
The story of the unnamed woman in 2 Samuel 17:19 serves as a profound reminder that God often uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways to accomplish His sovereign will. Her decisive action, born of resourcefulness and courage, highlights the immense impact an individual can have, even when their name is not recorded in history. In our own lives, we are often called to act with similar ingenuity and bravery in moments of crisis, whether personal, communal, or societal. This narrative encourages us to cultivate a spirit of quick thinking, compassion, and unwavering loyalty to what is right, even when it involves personal risk. It challenges us to look beyond our perceived limitations and recognize that God can empower us to be instruments of His deliverance and purpose, using the "ground corn" of our everyday lives—our skills, resources, and opportunities—for His divine plans. Her story inspires us to trust in God's providence, knowing that He can orchestrate seemingly small acts to achieve monumental outcomes, protecting His people and advancing His kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was this unnamed woman, and why is her identity not revealed?
The Bible does not provide the name of this woman. Her anonymity is common in biblical narratives, often serving to highlight the divine hand at work or to emphasize the significance of the action itself rather than the individual's fame. In this case, her unnamed status underscores that God can use anyone, regardless of their social standing or public recognition, to accomplish His purposes. She was likely a resident of Bahurim, a village on the route from Jerusalem to the Jordan River, and a loyal supporter of King David. Her act exemplifies how God's providence can operate through the seemingly insignificant.
Why was "ground corn" used as a disguise, and how effective was it?
"Ground corn" (more accurately, parched or crushed grain) was used because spreading it out was a common, everyday domestic activity in ancient Israel. By covering the well's mouth with a cloth and then scattering grain on top, the woman created a scene that appeared entirely innocuous and ordinary to Absalom's pursuers. This simple, yet ingenious, disguise was highly effective, as the verse explicitly states, "and the thing was not known," meaning the messengers' hiding place was not discovered. It successfully diverted suspicion and allowed the vital intelligence to be preserved, demonstrating remarkable ingenuity in a crisis.
What was the broader significance of this woman's act in the context of Absalom's rebellion?
This woman's quick thinking and courageous act were critically significant. By successfully hiding Jonathan and Ahimaaz, she ensured that the crucial intelligence from Hushai—warning David about Ahithophel's dangerous counsel and urging him to cross the Jordan—reached the king (2 Samuel 17:15-16). This information was vital for David's survival and strategic planning. Had the messengers been caught, David might have been overwhelmed by Absalom's forces, potentially leading to his capture or death and the collapse of his kingdom. Her seemingly small, localized act had profound national implications, directly contributing to David's escape, regrouping, and eventual victory over Absalom, thus preserving the Davidic line and God's covenant promises.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The narrative of the unnamed woman in 2 Samuel 17:19, while a historical account of human ingenuity and divine providence, finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Just as the well provided a hidden refuge for David's messengers, Jesus Christ is our ultimate refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. The "ground corn" used to disguise the well can be seen as a subtle foreshadowing of Christ, who describes Himself as the bread of life. More deeply, Jesus Himself was "hidden" in plain sight, born in humble circumstances and growing up in obscurity in Nazareth, much like the hidden well. His true identity and mission were often "not known" to those who sought to thwart God's plan, especially the spiritual powers of darkness. The wisdom of God, revealed in Christ, was a mystery hidden for ages but now revealed. Just as the woman's act ensured the survival of David's kingdom, Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, though appearing as a defeat to the world, were God's ultimate, hidden strategy to secure eternal salvation and establish His everlasting kingdom, a plan that the "rulers of this age did not understand" (1 Corinthians 2:8). He is the ultimate deliverer, using seemingly ordinary means—a cross, a tomb, and a handful of disciples—to accomplish the greatest rescue in history, ensuring that the "thing was not known" to those who would oppose His ultimate victory.