2 Samuel 17:2

KJV

And I will come upon him while he [is] weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that [are] with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will come {H935} upon him while he is weary {H3023} and weak {H7504} handed {H3027}, and will make him afraid {H2729}: and all the people {H5971} that are with him shall flee {H5127}; and I will smite {H5221} the king {H4428} only:

Complete Jewish Bible

I'll fall on him unexpectedly when he's tired and powerless. I'll frighten him, all the people with him will flee, and I'll attack only the king.

Berean Standard Bible

I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king

American Standard Version

and I will come upon him while he is weary and weak-handed, and will make him afraid; and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ahithophel's counsel to Absalom in 2 Samuel 17:2 proposes a swift, targeted strike against King David while he is perceived as vulnerable, weary, and demoralized. The strategy aims to surprise David, instill fear, cause his followers to disperse, and ultimately eliminate the king alone, thereby ending the rebellion quickly and decisively with minimal bloodshed for Absalom's forces.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the core of Ahithophel's strategic advice to Absalom, detailed in [2 Samuel 17:1-3](/2_samuel/17-1 "2 Samuel 17:1-3 - Ahithophel's Counsel"). It immediately follows King David's hasty flight from Jerusalem in the face of Absalom's rebellion, as described in [2 Samuel 15:13-14](/2_samuel/15-13 "2 Samuel 15:13-14 - David Flees Jerusalem"). Ahithophel, a former trusted advisor to David who defected to Absalom's side ([2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - Ahithophel's Defection")), is now offering counsel on how to pursue and defeat the fleeing king. His plan is presented as the most direct and effective way to neutralize David and consolidate Absalom's power, setting the stage for the crucial counter-counsel offered by Hushai in the subsequent verses ([2 Samuel 17:7-13](/2_samuel/17-7 "2 Samuel 17:7-13 - Hushai's Counter-Counsel")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Israel during a period of intense civil unrest, with Absalom's rebellion posing a significant threat to David's kingship. Absalom had successfully usurped control of Jerusalem, forcing David to flee. Ahithophel's counsel reflects the military realities and cultural norms of the ancient Near East, where targeting the opposing leader was a common and often decisive strategy. A "decapitation strike" against the king was understood to be sufficient to cause an army to disband and end a conflict, avoiding prolonged and costly battles. David's flight would have been perceived as a sign of weakness and demoralization, presenting a prime opportunity for such a swift and decisive blow.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes. It highlights **strategic warfare and cunning**, showcasing Ahithophel's military genius in identifying and exploiting David's perceived **vulnerability of leadership**. The ruthless nature of power struggles is evident, where the elimination of the opposing leader is deemed paramount for victory. Crucially, this verse also serves as a dramatic setup for the overarching theme of **divine intervention** and **God's sovereignty over human plans**. Although Ahithophel's counsel was considered "as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God" ([2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Renowned Wisdom")), God had purposed to defeat it through Hushai's seemingly less logical counter-counsel, as explicitly stated in [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God Thwarts Ahithophel's Counsel"). This demonstrates that no human wisdom or strategy, however brilliant, can ultimately thwart God's sovereign will ([Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Weary (Hebrew, _yagea'_):** This term (יגע) denotes physical exhaustion, fatigue, and weariness, often resulting from strenuous effort or a long journey. In this context, it vividly portrays David's state after his hurried and arduous flight from Jerusalem, suggesting he and his men would be physically drained and less capable of sustained resistance.
* **Weak handed (Hebrew, _raphah yadayim'_):** This idiomatic phrase (רפה ידים), literally meaning "slack hands" or "hands let down," signifies a loss of courage, demoralization, or the inability to act effectively. It implies a state of being disheartened, without strength or resolve to fight. Ahithophel perceives David as not only physically tired but also psychologically broken and therefore an easy target.
* **Smite (Hebrew, _nakah'_):** The verb (נכה) means to strike, hit, or kill. In this military context, it unequivocally means to kill. The phrase "smite the king only" emphasizes the precise, targeted nature of Ahithophel's plan – to eliminate David alone, thereby collapsing the rebellion without needing to engage in a broader, more costly battle against his followers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will come upon him while he [is] weary and weak handed":** Ahithophel proposes a surprise attack, capitalizing on David's perceived state of extreme vulnerability. "Weary" speaks to physical exhaustion from his hurried flight, while "weak handed" implies a profound lack of morale, courage, or the ability to effectively resist. This combination makes David an an ideal target for a swift, decisive strike.
* **"and will make him afraid":** The intent is to instill terror in David and his immediate retinue, preventing any organized resistance. The suddenness and ferocity of the attack, coupled with David's already diminished state, would lead to panic and disarray, further ensuring the success of the ambush.
* **"and all the people that [are] with him shall flee":** Ahithophel anticipates that once David is struck with fear or neutralized, his followers, already demoralized and without their leader, would immediately disperse. This strategy aims to avoid a prolonged conflict and minimize casualties for Absalom's forces, ensuring a swift and relatively bloodless victory for the rebels.
* **"and I will smite the king only":** This chilling and ruthless declaration reveals the core of Ahithophel's pragmatic strategy. The ultimate goal is a targeted assassination of David, the head of the rebellion. By eliminating the leader, the body (his followers) would naturally collapse, thereby ending the conflict swiftly and decisively without further bloodshed or extended warfare.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey the cunning and ruthlessness of Ahithophel's plan. The phrase "weary and weak handed" is a powerful example of **merism**, combining two distinct but related concepts—physical exhaustion and psychological demoralization—to describe a complete state of vulnerability. The chilling declaration "and I will smite the king only" functions as a stark example of **euphemism** for assassination, highlighting the cold, calculated nature of Ahithophel's strategy. The entire proposal serves as a dramatic **foil** to Hushai's subsequent counter-counsel, setting up a profound contrast between human military brilliance and divine intervention. The vivid imagery of a sudden, fear-inducing strike against a weakened opponent creates a palpable sense of imminent danger and tension, drawing the reader into the high stakes of the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ahithophel's counsel, though militarily astute and seemingly foolproof, ultimately serves as a powerful backdrop for demonstrating God's sovereign control over human affairs, even the most cunning and well-laid plans. This moment underscores the profound theological truth that no human wisdom or strategy, however brilliant or seemingly unassailable, can stand against the purposes of the Almighty. God's intervention through Hushai's counter-counsel, which was divinely orchestrated to defeat Ahithophel's "good counsel" ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - Hushai's Counsel Accepted by Divine Providence")), highlights His unwavering commitment to His chosen king, David, and His ultimate plan for the Davidic dynasty. It is a powerful reminder that while humans scheme, the Lord directs their steps and His counsel alone will stand.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of the Nations")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom or Counsel Against the Lord")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that even when we feel "weary and weak handed"—physically exhausted, emotionally drained, or spiritually discouraged—God's protective hand is not shortened. Like David, we may face formidable adversaries or seemingly insurmountable challenges, and human wisdom may devise plans against us that appear flawless. Yet, this narrative assures us that God remains sovereign, capable of thwarting the most cunning schemes and turning the counsel of the wise into foolishness for His purposes. Our security and ultimate deliverance do not rest on our strength or the absence of threats, but on the unfailing faithfulness of God. It calls us to trust implicitly in His providence, even when circumstances seem dire, knowing that His plans for us will prevail and that He is our ultimate refuge and strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you felt "weary and weak handed" in your life, and how did you experience God's provision or protection in that moment?**
* **How does Ahithophel's brilliant but ultimately thwarted plan encourage your trust in God's sovereignty over human schemes and adversities?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to rely on human wisdom or strength instead of seeking and trusting God's direction and intervention?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ahithophel's counsel considered "good" if God intended to defeat it?**

Answer: Ahithophel's counsel was considered "good" from a purely human, military, and strategic perspective. The text itself states in [2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Wisdom") that "the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God." His plan was swift, decisive, and directly targeted David's perceived vulnerability, aiming to end the rebellion with minimal loss for Absalom. It was brilliant in its tactical execution and would have likely succeeded had it not been for divine intervention. However, God's purpose was to preserve David and bring judgment upon Absalom, so He supernaturally intervened by causing Absalom to reject Ahithophel's sound advice in favor of Hushai's delaying tactics, which ultimately led to Absalom's downfall ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - Hushai's Counsel Accepted")). This demonstrates that God's will can override even the most astute human wisdom.

**What does "smite the king only" imply about ancient warfare?**

Answer: The phrase "smite the king only" reveals a common and highly effective strategy in ancient Near Eastern warfare: the decapitation strike. In many ancient armies, the king or commander was the central figure, the source of command, morale, and often divine favor. If the king or commander was killed or captured, the army would often lose its cohesion, become demoralized, and disperse, leading to a swift end to the conflict without the need for a prolonged, bloody battle against the entire force. Ahithophel understood that eliminating David would effectively end the rebellion, as his followers would have no central figure to rally around, thus saving Absalom's forces from a potentially costly engagement. This strategy is seen in various ancient conflicts where targeting the leader was paramount to achieving a quick and decisive victory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's vulnerability and God's miraculous protection in 2 Samuel 17:2 finds profound echoes and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David was "weary and weak handed" in his flight, Jesus willingly embraced weakness and vulnerability, not in flight, but in His mission to redeem humanity. He became the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), allowing Himself to be "smitten" for our transgressions, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - The Suffering Servant"). The cunning schemes of Ahithophel against David foreshadow the ultimate conspiracy of human and demonic powers against Christ, culminating in His crucifixion. Yet, just as God thwarted Ahithophel's plan to preserve David, God's ultimate plan of salvation through Christ could not be defeated by the powers of darkness. The "smite the king only" strategy of humanity and Satan against Jesus on the cross ultimately backfired, for through His death, He conquered sin and death, rising victoriously as the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). His seeming weakness on the cross was, in fact, the greatest display of divine power, securing eternal life for all who believe, demonstrating that God's purposes, even through suffering, are always triumphant ([1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - The Foolishness of God is Wiser Than Men")).

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 16:14

And the king, and all the people that [were] with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.

1 Kings 22:31

But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had rule over his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel.

Zechariah 13:7

¶ Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man [that is] my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

Matthew 26:31

¶ Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

John 11:50

Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

Matthew 21:38

But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.

Deuteronomy 25:18

How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, [even] all [that were] feeble behind thee, when thou [wast] faint and weary; and he feared not God.