2 Samuel 17:6

KJV

And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do [after] his saying? if not; speak thou.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Hushai {H2365} was come {H935} to Absalom {H53}, Absalom {H53} spake {H559} unto him, saying {H559}, Ahithophel {H302} hath spoken {H1696} after this manner {H1697}: shall we do {H6213} after his saying {H1697}? if not; speak {H1696} thou.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Hushai appeared before Avshalom, Avshalom said to him, "Achitofel has said such-and-such. Should we do what he says? If not, you tell us."

Berean Standard Bible

So Hushai came to Absalom, who told him, “Ahithophel has spoken this proposal. Should we carry it out? If not, what do you say?”

American Standard Version

And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not, speak thou.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 17:6 marks a crucial turning point in Absalom's rebellion, depicting Absalom's direct inquiry to Hushai the Archite regarding Ahithophel's highly esteemed counsel. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic subversion of Ahithophel's strategically sound advice through divine intervention, ultimately leading to Absalom's downfall and the preservation of King David. It highlights the pivotal moment where human plans, no matter how shrewd, come under the scrutiny of God's overarching providence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Ahithophel's counsel to Absalom in [2 Samuel 17:1-3](/2_samuel/17-1 "2 Samuel 17:1-3 - Ahithophel's Counsel to Absalom"), which was to swiftly pursue and strike David while he was weary and vulnerable. Ahithophel's advice was considered so wise that it was "as if one had inquired at the oracle of God" ([2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Reputation for Wisdom")). However, David, upon hearing of Ahithophel's defection, had prayed that the Lord would "turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness" ([2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - David's Prayer Regarding Ahithophel")). To achieve this, David strategically sent his loyal friend Hushai back to Absalom, instructing him to feign allegiance and undermine Ahithophel's advice ([2 Samuel 15:34](/2_samuel/15-34 "2 Samuel 15:34 - David Sends Hushai to Absalom")). Thus, Absalom's question to Hushai in this verse is not merely seeking a second opinion but, unbeknownst to him, opening the door for God's providential counter-strategy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the counsel of trusted advisors was paramount, often influencing life-or-death decisions and the fate of kingdoms. Ahithophel's reputation for sagacity was legendary, making Absalom's act of seeking a second opinion, even from a newly defected advisor like Hushai, somewhat unusual unless it was to solidify consensus or perhaps due to a subtle, divinely-inspired hesitation. The military strategy proposed by Ahithophel—a swift, decisive strike against a fleeing, unorganized enemy—was militarily sound and culturally understood as a means to secure a throne quickly and brutally. The delay that Hushai would propose would be antithetical to this established military wisdom, highlighting the profound impact of the ensuing deception.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is a nexus for several key themes within the narrative of Absalom's rebellion and the broader book of Samuel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence** and God's active involvement in human affairs. David's desperate prayer in [2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - David's Prayer Regarding Ahithophel") is directly answered as God orchestrates the circumstances for Hushai to be present and for Absalom to seek his counsel, ultimately leading to the frustration of Ahithophel's plan (explicitly stated in [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")). Secondly, the theme of **Wisdom vs. Folly** is prominent. Ahithophel's counsel, though humanly astute, is ultimately rendered foolish by divine intervention, contrasting with Hushai's deceptive but divinely-ordained counter-counsel. This underscores that true wisdom ultimately aligns with God's purposes, even when it appears counter-intuitive to human logic. Lastly, the verse touches upon **Loyalty and Deception**, as Hushai's actions demonstrate unwavering loyalty to David, even employing strategic deception to protect God's anointed king against a rebellious son.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner" (Hebrew, _kedâvâr hazzeh_):** This phrase emphasizes the weight and specificity of Ahithophel's counsel. Absalom is not just asking for general advice; he is presenting a well-defined plan from a highly respected source and asking for an evaluation of *that specific plan*. It underscores the formidable nature of the counsel Hushai is tasked to undermine.
* **"shall we do" (Hebrew, _naʿaśeh_):** This verb, a first-person plural imperfect, indicates a deliberative question, "Should we do?" or "Let us do?" It reveals Absalom's desire for a collective decision or endorsement. While Ahithophel's counsel was "as if one had inquired at the oracle of God" ([2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Reputation for Wisdom")), Absalom's question here suggests a slight, perhaps divinely-inspired, hesitation or a desire for broader consensus among his new advisors.
* **"if not; speak thou" (Hebrew, _weʾim loʾ, dabbēr ʾattâh_):** This is the critical opening for Hushai. The phrase _weʾim loʾ_ literally means "and if not," directly inviting an alternative. Absalom's explicit command "speak thou" (an imperative) gives Hushai the full permission and platform to present his counter-counsel, which he then elaborates on in [2 Samuel 17:7-13](/2_samuel/17-7 "2 Samuel 17:7-13 - Hushai's Counter-Counsel"). This seemingly innocuous invitation is the hinge upon which the fate of Absalom's rebellion turns.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Hushai was come to Absalom":** This clause establishes the setting for the critical encounter. Hushai's arrival is not coincidental; it is the direct result of David's strategic deployment and prayer, setting the stage for God's intervention.
* **"Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner":** Absalom immediately brings up Ahithophel's counsel, indicating its prominence and the immediate need for a decision. By summarizing Ahithophel's advice, Absalom frames the discussion, making it clear that Hushai's response must address this specific, weighty proposal.
* **"shall we do [after] his saying?":** This is Absalom's direct question, seeking either affirmation or a decision to proceed based on Ahithophel's plan. It implies a readiness to act on Ahithophel's advice, yet also a moment of pause, allowing for the possibility of another perspective.
* **"if not; speak thou":** This final phrase is the most significant. It is Absalom's explicit invitation for an alternative counsel, providing Hushai the crucial opportunity to present his elaborate, delaying strategy that would ultimately lead to Absalom's defeat. This invitation, though seemingly a mere formality, is the divine opening that thwarts Ahithophel's "wise" counsel.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in 2 Samuel 17:6, and the broader narrative it belongs to, is rich with **Dramatic Irony**. The reader is fully aware of Hushai's true allegiance and his mission to subvert Ahithophel's counsel, while Absalom remains completely oblivious, trusting Hushai as a loyal advisor. This creates significant tension and suspense as the narrative unfolds. The contrasting characters of Ahithophel and Hushai also function as **Foil** characters; Ahithophel represents human wisdom and shrewdness, which is ultimately rendered foolish, while Hushai, though employing deception, represents loyalty and is an instrument of divine providence. The entire episode is a powerful demonstration of **Divine Intervention**, where God's unseen hand subtly manipulates human decisions and circumstances to achieve His purposes, specifically answering David's prayer and preserving his kingdom. This subtle yet powerful **Narrative Foreshadowing** points to Absalom's eventual doom, as the very counsel he chooses to reject was the one that offered him the best chance of success.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the sovereignty of God over human affairs, even in the midst of political intrigue and rebellion. Absalom's seemingly shrewd move to seek a second opinion, or perhaps his moment of indecision, becomes the very means through which God thwarts the "wise" counsel of Ahithophel. It teaches us that no human plan, no matter how brilliant or well-executed, can ultimately stand against the determined purpose of the Lord. God can use unexpected channels—even a seemingly simple request for an alternative opinion—to redirect the course of history and fulfill His divine will. This narrative reinforces the truth that while humans make their plans, the Lord's purpose will prevail, often in ways that defy human expectation or logic.

* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Prevails")
* [Isaiah 44:25](/isaiah/44-25 "Isaiah 44:25 - God Frustrates the Plans of the Shrewd")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Absalom seeking counsel from Hushai, and the subsequent divine subversion of Ahithophel's advice, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in the most complex and threatening situations, God remains utterly sovereign, actively working behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes. When facing difficult decisions or seemingly insurmountable challenges, we are called to trust not in the "wisdom" of the world or the most logical human strategies, but in God's overarching plan. This passage encourages us to pray for divine intervention, knowing that God can turn the most astute human counsel into foolishness and open doors where none seemed to exist. It also highlights the importance of discernment in seeking counsel, reminding us to align our choices with God's revealed will, rather than merely what appears expedient or advantageous. Ultimately, our confidence should rest in the Lord, who is able to protect His people and fulfill His promises, regardless of the schemes of adversaries.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I relying more on human wisdom and strategy than on divine guidance and prayer?**
* **How does the narrative of Hushai's intervention encourage me to trust God's sovereignty even when circumstances seem dire or plans appear to be failing?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate greater spiritual discernment when seeking advice or making important decisions?**

### FAQ

**Why did Absalom seek a second opinion from Hushai if Ahithophel's counsel was so highly regarded?**
Answer: Absalom's decision to seek a second opinion from Hushai, despite Ahithophel's renowned wisdom (described in [2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Reputation for Wisdom") as being "as if one had inquired at the oracle of God"), can be attributed to several factors. Culturally, it was not uncommon for leaders to seek multiple counselors to ensure consensus or to explore all options, even if one advisor was highly respected. Absalom, being relatively inexperienced as a king, might have genuinely desired to hear all perspectives. However, from a theological perspective, the primary reason was divine providence. David had prayed that the Lord would "turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness" ([2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - David's Prayer Regarding Ahithophel")), and God orchestrated this seemingly innocuous request to create the critical opening for Hushai to present his counter-counsel, ultimately leading to Absalom's downfall as stated in [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel").

**Was Hushai's deception justifiable?**
Answer: The question of Hushai's deception is ethically complex. While Scripture generally condemns lying and deception (e.g., [Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment")), biblical narratives sometimes present instances where deception is employed in the context of war or to achieve a greater good, often with divine approval or at least without explicit condemnation. In Hushai's case, his deception served to protect God's anointed king, David, and to preserve the Davidic covenant line, which ultimately pointed to the coming Messiah. His actions were an act of extreme loyalty to God's chosen leader against a rebellious usurper. This unique situation, where God explicitly uses Hushai's counter-counsel to frustrate Ahithophel's advice ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")), suggests that in this specific, divinely-orchestrated context, Hushai's strategic deception was part of God's plan to preserve His purposes. It does not, however, provide a blanket justification for deception in all circumstances for believers today.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of 2 Samuel 17:6, where God thwarts the "wise" counsel of Ahithophel through the seemingly less direct counsel of Hushai, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's divine wisdom and plan in Jesus Christ. Ahithophel's counsel, though humanly brilliant and strategically sound, represented the wisdom of the world—a wisdom that ultimately leads to death and self-destruction when it opposes God's will. Just as Absalom, in his pride, rejected the counsel that would have secured his kingdom, humanity often rejects God's divine wisdom for salvation, which appears as foolishness to the world. The cross of Christ, the ultimate act of God's "foolishness" in the eyes of human wisdom, is in fact the power and wisdom of God for salvation ([1 Corinthians 1:18-25](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - The Wisdom of God")). God's plan for redemption, hidden in Christ, is the true treasure of wisdom and knowledge ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")). The preservation of David's throne through divine intervention in 2 Samuel 17:6 ultimately points to the eternal, unshakable throne of King Jesus, whose kingdom will have no end and whose counsel is always perfect and true ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Everlasting Kingdom of the Messiah")). In Christ, all of God's purposes are fulfilled, and the schemes of the adversary are ultimately thwarted, demonstrating that God truly works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God works all things for good")).

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.