2 Samuel 17:22

KJV

¶ Then David arose, and all the people that [were] with him, and they passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then David {H1732} arose {H6965}, and all the people {H5971} that were with him, and they passed over {H5674} Jordan {H3383}: by the morning {H1242} light {H216} there lacked {H5737} not one {H259} of them that was not gone over {H5674} Jordan {H3383}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Yarden; by dawn every one of them had crossed the Yarden.

Berean Standard Bible

So David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one left who had not crossed the Jordan.

American Standard Version

Then David arose, and all the people that were with him, and they passed over the Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over the Jordan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 17:22 marks a critical juncture in King David's desperate flight from his rebellious son Absalom, depicting David's swift and successful crossing of the Jordan River with all his loyal followers. This verse underscores the immediate and decisive action taken by David upon receiving vital intelligence, culminating in a divinely orchestrated escape where every single person under his care was safely delivered to the eastern bank by morning light, highlighting God's meticulous protection amidst extreme peril.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a tense and dramatic narrative arc beginning with Absalom's rebellion in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion Begins"). David had been forced to flee Jerusalem, leaving behind his capital and throne. The immediate preceding events in [2 Samuel 17](/2_samuel/17 "2 Samuel 17 - Ahithophel's and Hushai's Counsel") are crucial: Ahithophel, Absalom's shrewd advisor, had counseled an immediate and relentless pursuit of David (see [2 Samuel 17:1-4](/2_samuel/17-1 "2 Samuel 17:1-4 - Ahithophel's Counsel to Absalom")). This strategy, if executed, would almost certainly have led to David's capture and death. However, by divine providence, David's loyal intelligence agent, Hushai the Archite, successfully countered Ahithophel's advice with a seemingly more prudent but ultimately delaying strategy (as detailed in [2 Samuel 17:7-13](/2_samuel/17-7 "2 Samuel 17:7-13 - Hushai's Counter-Counsel")). Hushai's counsel was accepted by Absalom, "for the Lord had ordained to frustrate the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring disaster on Absalom" ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")). Hushai then immediately sent word to David through Zadok and Abiathar's sons, Jonathan and Ahimaaz, urging him to cross the Jordan without delay ([2 Samuel 17:15-21](/2_samuel/17-15 "2 Samuel 17:15-21 - David Receives Warning")). David's swift compliance with this warning, as described in [2 Samuel 17:22](/2_samuel/17-22 "2 Samuel 17:22 - David Crosses the Jordan"), is a direct consequence of this divine intervention and timely intelligence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jordan River served as a significant geographical barrier in ancient Israel, often marking a boundary or a strategic crossing point. For David and his company, crossing the Jordan meant putting a natural obstacle between themselves and Absalom's pursuing forces, providing a crucial buffer of safety and time to regroup. The eastern bank of the Jordan, particularly areas like Mahanaim (where David eventually settled, as seen in [2 Samuel 17:24](/2_samuel/17-24 "2 Samuel 17:24 - David Arrives at Mahanaim")), offered a more defensible position and access to loyalists in Gilead. In the context of ancient Near Eastern kingship, a king's flight from his capital due to rebellion was a profound humiliation and a sign of weakness. David's ability to maintain the loyalty of "all the people that were with him" despite his precarious situation speaks volumes about his leadership and the deep bonds of fidelity he inspired. The urgency of the night crossing also reflects the military realities of the time, where darkness could offer cover for movement, but also presented significant logistical challenges, making the complete and safe passage even more remarkable.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel - The Reign of King David"). Foremost is the theme of **Divine Providence and Protection**. Despite David's dire circumstances and the overwhelming odds against him, God actively intervenes to protect His anointed king, frustrating the counsel of Ahithophel and ensuring David's safe passage. This highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant with David (see [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant")). Another key theme is **Decisive Leadership**. David's immediate and effective response to the urgent warning demonstrates his capacity for swift, strategic action in times of crisis. His leadership ensures the survival of his loyal followers. The unwavering **Loyalty and Unity** of David's people is also prominent, showcasing a bond of trust and commitment that perseveres even in exile and extreme danger. Finally, the narrative explores the **Consequences of Sin and Rebellion**, as Absalom's rebellion, fueled by pride and ambition, ultimately leads to his downfall, contrasting with God's preservation of David.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"lacked not one of them" (Hebrew, _lo ne'dar echad'_):** This precise Hebrew phrase, לֹא נֶעְדַּר אֶחָד, carries significant weight. The verb נֶעְדַּר (_ne'dar_) means "to be missing," "to be absent," or "to be left behind." Combined with the negative particle לֹא (_lo_), it emphatically declares that not a single person was lost, left behind, or unaccounted for. This is more than a mere statement of fact; it suggests a miraculous or divinely superintended outcome. Given the urgency, the darkness, and the inherent dangers of a mass crossing of a river at night, the complete safety of David's entire company is presented as an extraordinary testament to God's protective hand, ensuring the integrity of David's loyal remnant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then David arose, and all the people that were with him":** This clause emphasizes David's immediate and decisive action. Upon receiving the urgent message from Hushai, David did not hesitate. His rising signifies readiness for action, and "all the people that were with him" highlights the collective nature of this movement, underscoring the unity and loyalty of his followers who remained committed to their king even in this perilous flight.
* **"and they passed over Jordan":** This describes the critical strategic maneuver. Crossing the Jordan River was essential to put a natural barrier between David's vulnerable company and Absalom's rapidly advancing forces. It was a move from immediate danger to a relatively safer, more defensible position on the eastern side, allowing time for regrouping and planning.
* **"by the morning light":** This temporal marker emphasizes the speed and urgency of the operation. The crossing was completed under the cover of darkness, before the full light of day could expose their movements to Absalom's scouts. This detail highlights David's efficiency and the disciplined execution of the escape.
* **"there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan":** This is the climactic statement of the verse, underscoring the miraculous completeness of their escape. Despite the chaos, the darkness, the urgency, and the sheer number of people involved (including families and non-combatants), not a single person was lost, injured, or left behind. This phrase powerfully conveys divine protection and meticulous oversight, affirming that God's hand was upon David and his loyal followers, ensuring their total preservation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Divine Providence** is the overarching theme, subtly yet profoundly conveyed by the miraculous completeness of the escape. While not explicitly stating "God did this," the phrase "there lacked not one of them" strongly implies a supernatural intervention, as such a flawless operation under duress would be highly improbable by human effort alone. This highlights God's active role in frustrating Ahithophel's counsel and preserving David. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** or emphatic statement in "lacked not one," which serves to underscore the absolute totality and perfection of their safe passage, magnifying the sense of God's protective care. The Jordan River itself functions as a **Symbol**, representing a threshold of safety and a barrier against immediate danger, a place of transition from vulnerability to relative security. The swift, complete crossing becomes a symbol of God's ability to deliver His people through seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 17:22 serves as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and protective sovereignty over His anointed and His people, even amidst the most desperate circumstances. David's flight from Absalom's rebellion is a period of intense testing and vulnerability, yet this verse reveals that God's plan for David's kingship and the Davidic covenant (promised in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant")) remained secure. The complete and safe passage of all David's followers across the Jordan highlights that when God purposes to protect, no human or natural obstacle can thwart His will. It underscores the principle that God's preservation is not merely for the leader, but extends to all who are faithfully aligned with His purposes, demonstrating His meticulous care even in the smallest details of a chaotic escape. This event stands as a powerful reminder that God is a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble ([Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength")), orchestrating events and even frustrating wicked counsel to achieve His redemptive ends.

* [Psalm 34:19](/psalm/34-19 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord.")
* [Isaiah 43:2](/isaiah/43-2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of David's escape across the Jordan offers profound encouragement for believers facing their own "crossings" in life—moments of crisis, uncertainty, or overwhelming opposition. Just as David acted decisively on divinely inspired counsel, we are called to trust in God's providence and to act with faith and wisdom when His guidance becomes clear, even if it means stepping into the unknown. This verse reminds us that God is not distant from our struggles; rather, He actively works behind the scenes, frustrating the plans of our adversaries and ensuring the safety of those who belong to Him. The assurance that "there lacked not one of them" speaks to God's meticulous care, suggesting that in Christ, not one of His elect will be lost or left behind. It calls us to cultivate unwavering loyalty to God and to one another, finding strength in unity and trusting that even in the most perilous journeys, God is our ultimate protector and guide, leading us safely through to His intended destination.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently facing a "Jordan crossing," a situation requiring a leap of faith or decisive action?**
* **How does the story of David's escape encourage you to trust in God's divine providence, even when circumstances seem chaotic or overwhelming?**
* **What role do you believe "divinely inspired counsel" plays in guiding your decisions, and how can you be more attuned to it?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of crossing the Jordan River for David?**
Answer: Crossing the Jordan River was a critical strategic move for David. It provided a natural geographical barrier between his fleeing company and Absalom's pursuing forces, buying David precious time to regroup, gather resources, and plan his next steps. The eastern side of the Jordan, particularly areas like Mahanaim ([2 Samuel 17:24](/2_samuel/17-24 "2 Samuel 17:24 - David Arrives at Mahanaim")), was known for its rugged terrain and loyal population, offering a more defensible position and a base of operations away from Absalom's immediate reach in Jerusalem. It symbolized a temporary escape from immediate danger and a transition to a place of relative safety.

**How does this verse demonstrate divine protection?**
Answer: The phrase "there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan" is a powerful testament to divine protection. Given the circumstances—a hurried, overnight crossing of a river by a large, diverse group, including non-combatants, under the threat of imminent pursuit—the fact that not a single person was lost, injured, or left behind is presented as nothing short of miraculous. This completeness of their safe passage implies God's direct intervention and meticulous care, ensuring the survival of David and his loyal followers. It follows directly after the Lord had "ordained to frustrate the good counsel of Ahithophel" ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")), showing a continuous thread of God's active hand in preserving David.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 17:22, with its vivid depiction of David's divinely protected escape across the Jordan, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate deliverance and preservation offered through Jesus Christ. David, the anointed king, fleeing from rebellion and facing certain death, yet miraculously preserved with all his loyal followers, serves as a type of Christ. Just as David was preserved by God's providence against the treachery of Ahithophel, so too was Jesus protected by His Father through the perils of His earthly ministry, ultimately triumphing over the schemes of His adversaries (e.g., [Matthew 2:13-15](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13-15 - Flight to Egypt")). More profoundly, the "not one missing" aspect of David's crossing points to Christ's perfect work of salvation. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, declares that He will lose none of those the Father has given Him ([John 6:39](/john/6-39 "John 6:39 - Jesus Will Lose None")). His death and resurrection constitute the ultimate "crossing over" from death to life, securing eternal safety for all who believe in Him. Through Christ, we are brought safely through the "waters" of sin and judgment, into the promised land of God's eternal kingdom, with the absolute assurance that "there lacked not one" of His redeemed who will fail to reach their eternal home ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Bringing Many Sons to Glory")).

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

John 18:9

That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

Matthew 10:16

¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Proverbs 27:12

¶ A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, [and] hideth himself; [but] the simple pass on, [and] are punished.

Numbers 31:49

And they said unto Moses, Thy servants have taken the sum of the men of war which [are] under our charge, and there lacketh not one man of us.

2 Samuel 17:24

Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.