2 Samuel 17:19

And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known.

And the woman {H802} took {H3947} and spread {H6566} a covering {H4539} over the well's {H875} mouth {H6440}, and spread {H7849} ground corn {H7383} thereon; and the thing {H1697} was not known {H3045}.

His wife spread a covering over the cistern's opening and scattered drying grain on it, so that nothing showed.

Then the man’s wife took a covering and spread it over the mouth of the well, scattering grain over it so nobody would know a thing.

And the woman took and spread the covering over the well’s mouth, and strewed bruised grain thereon; and nothing was known.

Commentary

Context

This verse is set during the tumultuous period of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. After David fled Jerusalem, his loyal spy, Hushai, successfully countered the dangerous counsel of Ahithophel, gaining time for David to escape across the Jordan River. Jonathan and Ahimaaz, sons of the priests, were entrusted with carrying this crucial intelligence to David (2 Samuel 17:15). However, they were spotted and pursued by Absalom's men. They sought refuge in Bahurim, where a loyal woman provided immediate assistance, as described in this verse, to hide them from their pursuers.

Key Themes

  • Resourcefulness and Quick Thinking: The woman's ingenious act of covering the well with a cloth and then spreading ground corn over it demonstrates remarkable ingenuity and quick action under pressure. She used common household items to create a believable disguise, effectively hiding the well's opening and the men within.
  • Loyalty and Courage: This woman, whose name is not recorded, exhibited profound loyalty to King David's cause and immense courage. She risked her own safety and potentially her life to protect the messengers, knowing the grave consequences if Absalom's men discovered her deception.
  • Divine Providence: While the verse focuses on human action, it implicitly highlights God's providential care for David. Her quick thinking was instrumental in preserving the lives of the messengers and ensuring the vital intelligence reached David, ultimately contributing to the failure of Absalom's revolt.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "ground corn" (KJV) refers to crushed or parched grain, a common staple in ancient Israel. Spreading it over the well's mouth would have given the appearance that the area was being used for drying or preparing food, a very ordinary sight, thus diverting suspicion from the hidden well. This simple, everyday item became a critical tool in a high-stakes act of deception.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that even seemingly ordinary individuals can play extraordinary roles in significant events. The unnamed woman's decisive action illustrates:

  • The Power of Individual Action: Her courage and resourcefulness were pivotal in a moment of crisis, demonstrating that every individual's contribution matters in God's larger plan.
  • Acting Under Pressure: Her ability to think clearly and act swiftly in a dangerous situation is a testament to the importance of composure and ingenuity when faced with adversity.
  • Protecting the Vulnerable: She selflessly protected those who were in danger for a righteous cause, embodying a spirit of compassion and protective care.

Her story, though brief, underscores how God often uses unexpected means and willing hearts to achieve His purposes and protect His servants.

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 — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 1:19

    And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women [are] not as the Egyptian women; for they [are] lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.

  • 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.
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