2 Samuel 17:20

KJV

And when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where [is] Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find [them], they returned to Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Absalom's {H53} servants {H5650} came {H935} to the woman {H802} to the house {H1004}, they said {H559}, Where is Ahimaaz {H290} and Jonathan {H3083}? And the woman {H802} said {H559} unto them, They be gone over {H5674} the brook {H4323} of water {H4325}. And when they had sought {H1245} and could not find {H4672} them, they returned {H7725} to Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avshalom's servants came to the woman at the house and asked, "Where are Achima'atz and Y'honatan?"The woman answered them, "They've crossed the stream."After searching and not finding them, they returned to Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And Absalom’s servants came to the woman to the house; and they said, Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They are gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 17:20 captures a pivotal moment in Absalom's rebellion, showcasing the quick-witted courage of an unnamed woman in Bahurim who, through deceptive means, protected King David's vital messengers, Ahimaaz and Jonathan. This verse details the pursuit by Absalom's servants and the woman's successful misdirection, allowing the messengers to escape and deliver critical intelligence that would ultimately aid David's survival and strategic counter-planning against the usurper.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a high point of tension in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion against King David, specifically following the successful counter-counsel of Hushai the Archite against Ahithophel's deadly advice (found in [2 Samuel 17:1-14](/2_samuel/17-1 "2 Samuel 17 - Hushai's Counsel and David's Escape")). The critical information about Ahithophel's advice and Hushai's cunning strategy needed to reach David, who had fled Jerusalem. Ahimaaz and Jonathan, sons of the high priests Zadok and Abiathar, were entrusted with this perilous task. They were initially hiding near En-rogel ([2 Samuel 17:17](/2_samuel/17-17 "2 Samuel 17:17 - Messengers at En-rogel")), but their presence was discovered, forcing them to flee to Bahurim. There, a loyal woman and her husband bravely concealed them in a well, covering it with a grinding stone and grain ([2 Samuel 17:18-19](/2_samuel/17-18 "2 Samuel 17:18-19 - The Woman's Concealment")). Verse 20 describes Absalom's servants arriving at the house, searching for the messengers, and the woman's decisive action to protect them, setting the stage for their eventual escape and the delivery of the life-saving message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The backdrop is a full-scale civil war, with Absalom having seized Jerusalem and David in hasty flight. In ancient Near Eastern warfare and politics, intelligence gathering and swift communication were paramount. Messengers, especially those carrying secret or urgent information, faced extreme danger if captured. The woman's act of hiding and deceiving Absalom's servants was not merely a personal favor but a high-stakes act of political defiance, risking her own life and the lives of her household. Bahurim, a village east of the Mount of Olives on the route to the Jordan River, was strategically located along David's escape path, making it a natural place for the messengers to seek refuge and for Absalom's forces to pursue. The narrative highlights the deep divisions within Israel during this rebellion, where loyalty to David was often expressed through acts of covert resistance and personal risk.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates the theme of **Loyalty Versus Treachery**. While Absalom's rebellion represents profound disloyalty to David and God's anointed king, the woman's actions exemplify unwavering faithfulness, placing her own safety at risk to protect David's interests. This contrasts sharply with the widespread defection seen elsewhere in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion Begins"). Another prominent theme is **Divine Providence**. Although the woman's quick thinking appears to be a purely human act of ingenuity, the successful hiding and escape of Ahimaaz and Jonathan are ultimately presented as part of God's overarching plan to preserve David and ensure the continuation of his dynasty. This aligns with the broader biblical understanding that God works through human agents and seemingly ordinary circumstances to achieve His sovereign purposes, as hinted at in [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Will Stand"). Finally, the intense search by Absalom's servants underscores **The Urgency and Power of Information**. The intelligence carried by Ahimaaz and Jonathan was literally a matter of life and death for David, highlighting how critical strategic information was in ancient conflict and how its successful transmission could alter the course of events.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Brook (נחל, _naḥal_):** This Hebrew term refers to a wadi or seasonal stream, often dry for much of the year but potentially flowing during rainy seasons. In this context, "brook of water" (נחל מים, _naḥal mayim_) suggests a specific, identifiable geographical feature. The woman's use of this term provides a plausible, yet false, direction for the messengers' supposed escape, lending credibility to her deception. It points to a natural crossing point, a logical place for someone fleeing eastward from Jerusalem towards the Jordan.
* **Sought (בקש, _biqqēš_):** The verb "sought" indicates a diligent, earnest, and persistent search. Absalom's servants were not merely glancing around; they were actively looking for the messengers, indicating the high priority and urgency Absalom placed on their capture. The fact that they "could not find" them underscores the effectiveness of the woman's concealment and deception.
* **Returned (שוב, _šûḇ_):** This verb signifies a turning back or going back to a previous location. Their return to Jerusalem without the messengers confirms the failure of their mission and the success of the woman's protective lie. It marks a critical turning point, as the absence of the messengers meant David would receive the warning, thus gaining precious time.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where [is] Ahimaaz and Jonathan?":** This clause establishes the direct confrontation and the immediate danger faced by the woman. Absalom's servants were clearly informed that the messengers were in the vicinity, indicating a successful pursuit or intelligence gathering on their part. Their direct question shows they knew exactly whom they were looking for, placing the woman in a perilous position where a truthful answer would have condemned David's loyalists.
* **"And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water.":** This is the pivotal moment of deception. The woman's response is swift, confident, and strategically misleading. By directing them "over the brook of water," she gives a plausible but incorrect destination, sending the pursuers on a wild goose chase. This quick thinking under pressure demonstrates remarkable courage and loyalty.
* **"And when they had sought and could not find [them], they returned to Jerusalem.":** This final clause confirms the success of the woman's ruse. The servants' diligent search proved fruitless, leading them to abandon their pursuit and return to Absalom's headquarters in Jerusalem. This outcome was crucial, as it bought the messengers the necessary time to emerge from hiding and continue their journey to warn David, thereby directly impacting the outcome of the rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Samuel 17:20 masterfully employs several **Literary Devices** to heighten tension and convey meaning. **Dramatic Irony** is prominent, as the audience knows the messengers are hidden in the well, while Absalom's servants are completely unaware, making their futile search all the more poignant. This creates suspense and engages the reader in the unfolding drama. The woman's quick, deceptive response is an example of **Quick Wit** or **Cleverness**, a recurring motif in biblical narratives where seemingly weaker characters outmaneuver powerful adversaries. Furthermore, the scene presents a stark **Contrast** between the treachery of Absalom and his followers, who seek to destroy David, and the steadfast loyalty and courage of ordinary individuals like this woman, who risk everything for the rightful king. The entire sequence also serves as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at David's ultimate preservation and the eventual failure of Absalom's rebellion, as God's providential hand is clearly at work through these human actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account in 2 Samuel 17:20 raises profound theological questions about the nature of truth, deception, and divine providence. While the Bible generally condemns lying, this narrative, alongside others like Rahab's deception in Jericho, presents instances where a lie, told to protect life or to further God's redemptive purposes, is implicitly or explicitly presented as a righteous act. The woman's lie here is not for personal gain or malice, but for the preservation of God's anointed king and the continuation of His covenantal plan. It highlights God's sovereign ability to work through unconventional means and human agents, even when those means involve moral complexities. The success of her deception underscores that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human schemes, and He can use the seemingly small and insignificant acts of individuals to achieve His grand designs. This passage reminds us that loyalty to God's chosen path may sometimes demand courage that defies conventional morality in a fallen world, trusting in a higher purpose.

* [Exodus 1:17-20](/exodus/1-17 "Exodus 1:17-20 - The Hebrew Midwives' Deception")
* [Joshua 2:4-6](/joshua/2-4 "Joshua 2:4-6 - Rahab's Deception")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - The Lord's Counsel Prevails")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of the woman in Bahurim is a powerful reminder that God often uses unexpected people in unexpected ways to accomplish His will. This unnamed woman, not a prophet or a priest, but an ordinary householder, demonstrated extraordinary courage and quick thinking in a moment of national crisis. Her actions, though involving deception, were rooted in deep loyalty and a desire to protect life and the rightful king. This challenges us to consider our own roles in moments of moral or spiritual crisis: Are we willing to act decisively, even when it involves personal risk or difficult ethical choices, to uphold what is right and protect the vulnerable? The passage also underscores the immense value of faithfulness in small, seemingly insignificant acts. Just as the woman's quick wit had far-reaching consequences for David's survival, our daily choices of integrity, courage, and loyalty, however small, can contribute to God's larger purposes in ways we may not immediately perceive. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of discernment and courage, ready to respond faithfully when opportunities arise to serve God's kingdom, even when the path is fraught with danger or ethical complexity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what situations might loyalty to a higher principle or to God's purposes require actions that challenge conventional ethical norms?**
* **How does this story encourage us to recognize and value the contributions of "ordinary" people in God's grand narrative?**
* **What specific areas in your life are you being called to demonstrate courage and quick thinking in service of truth or justice?**

### FAQ
**Was the woman's lie justifiable from a biblical perspective?**

Answer: The Bible consistently condemns lying as sin (e.g., [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Things the Lord Hates")), yet there are specific instances, like this one, or the actions of the Hebrew midwives in [Exodus 1:17-20](/exodus/1-17 "Exodus 1:17-20 - The Hebrew Midwives' Deception") and Rahab in [Joshua 2:4-6](/joshua/2-4 "Joshua 2:4-6 - Rahab Hides the Spies"), where deception is employed to preserve life or further God's redemptive plan, and the individuals are not condemned for their actions. In these cases, the "lie" is presented as a lesser evil in a dire situation, chosen to protect innocent lives against malicious intent. The woman's lie here was not for selfish gain or to harm, but to protect David's loyal messengers from those seeking to overthrow God's anointed king. While not endorsing lying as a general practice, these narratives suggest that in extreme, life-or-death circumstances where a higher moral good (preserving life, protecting God's covenant purposes) is at stake, God can work through such actions and even commend the courage and faith behind them.

**What was the significance of Ahimaaz and Jonathan, and why was their protection so crucial?**

Answer: Ahimaaz and Jonathan were the sons of Zadok and Abiathar, the two high priests loyal to King David. Their priestly lineage likely afforded them a degree of trust and access, making them ideal messengers. Their protection was absolutely crucial because they carried the vital intelligence from Hushai that exposed Ahithophel's deadly counsel to Absalom and warned David to cross the Jordan River to safety before Absalom could launch a swift, decisive attack. This message, detailed in [2 Samuel 17:15-16](/2_samuel/17-15 "2 Samuel 17:15-16 - Hushai's Warning to David"), was literally a matter of life and death for David and his loyal followers. Their successful evasion of Absalom's servants, facilitated by the woman in Bahurim, ensured that David received the warning, allowing him to regroup and prepare for the coming conflict, ultimately preserving his life and the future of his kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of 2 Samuel 17:20, while seemingly a straightforward account of human courage and deception, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, the anointed king whose life is providentially preserved here, is a type of the greater King, Jesus, the Son of David. Just as David's life was protected from the rebellion of Absalom, ensuring the continuation of the royal line, so too was the ultimate King, Jesus, protected from the schemes of Herod in His infancy (cf. [Matthew 2:13-15](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13-15 - Flight to Egypt")), ensuring the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "brook of water" that the woman deceptively points to can be seen as a faint echo of the "living water" that Jesus offers ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water")), contrasting the deceptive, life-preserving water in the Old Testament with the life-giving, truthful water of the New. Ultimately, while human deception was necessary to preserve David's life in a fallen world, Jesus, the embodiment of truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), did not need to employ such means. He overcame rebellion and death not through evasion but through direct confrontation and ultimate sacrifice on the cross, becoming the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His kingdom is established not by human cunning but by divine power and the unwavering truth of His resurrection, offering ultimate protection and salvation to all who believe ([Romans 8:31-39](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31-39 - God's Love and Protection")).

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.