2 Samuel 17:8

For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they [be] mighty men, and they [be] chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father [is] a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.

For, said {H559} Hushai {H2365}, thou knowest {H3045} thy father {H1} and his men {H582}, that they be mighty men {H1368}, and they be chafed {H4751} in their minds {H5315}, as a bear {H1677} robbed {H7909} of her whelps in the field {H7704}: and thy father {H1} is a man {H376} of war {H4421}, and will not lodge {H3885} with the people {H5971}.

You know," continued Hushai, "that your father and his men are powerful men, and that they are as bitter as a bear deprived of her cubs in the wild. Moreover, your father is a military man, and he won't camp with the rest of the people -

He continued, “You know your father and his men. They are mighty men, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Moreover, your father is a man of war who will not spend the night with the troops.

Hushai said moreover, Thou knowest thy father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field; and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.

Commentary

In 2 Samuel 17:8, Hushai the Archite, acting as a loyal spy for King David during Absalom's rebellion, delivers cunning advice to Absalom. This verse is part of Hushai's persuasive argument designed to counteract Ahithophel's counsel, which would have led to David's immediate capture and defeat. Hushai aims to buy David time to regroup and escape, subtly undermining Absalom's confidence in a swift victory.

Context

Absalom's coup had driven King David from Jerusalem. Ahithophel, a highly respected counselor who had defected to Absalom's side, advised immediate pursuit of David with a small, swift force to strike before David could gather his strength. However, David had sent Hushai back to Jerusalem specifically to frustrate Ahithophel's counsel. In this verse, Hushai begins to paint a vivid and intimidating picture of David and his seasoned warriors, exploiting Absalom's lack of military experience and perhaps his lingering respect for his father's prowess.

Key Themes

  • David's Formidable Military Prowess: Hushai emphasizes that David is a "man of war," a title earned through decades of battle, from his youth fighting Goliath to leading Israel's armies. His men are described as "mighty men," a term often used to refer to David's elite, loyal warriors.
  • Intense Rage and Determination: The powerful simile "as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field" vividly illustrates the fierce, protective rage David and his men would feel. This imagery highlights their desperation and the extreme danger they posed when cornered or provoked. It suggests an irrational, unstoppable fury.
  • Strategic Deception: Hushai's speech is a masterclass in psychological warfare. He appeals to Absalom's understanding of David's reputation, planting seeds of doubt about a quick victory and advocating for a slower, more costly approach that would give David the necessary time to escape and organize his forces.
  • God's Providence: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader narrative reveals that the Lord intended to frustrate the good counsel of Ahithophel through Hushai's deceptive advice, ultimately leading to Absalom's downfall and David's restoration.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "chafed in their minds" translates a Hebrew word (מר־נפש, mar-nephesh) which literally means "bitter of soul" or "bitter in spirit." It conveys a deep sense of exasperation, distress, or extreme anger, reinforcing the image of individuals who are not just angry, but profoundly provoked and ready to fight with desperate intensity. This bitterness, combined with their military skill, makes them exceptionally dangerous.

Practical Application

This verse offers insights into the power of rhetoric and strategic thinking. Hushai's ability to understand his audience (Absalom) and craft a compelling, yet deceptive, narrative saved David's life. It reminds us of:

  • The Importance of Discernment: Absalom failed to discern Hushai's true motives, choosing appealing but ultimately fatal advice over sound counsel.
  • Recognizing True Strength: David's strength was not just in numbers but in his experience, leadership, and the fierce loyalty of his men. Understanding an opponent's true character and capabilities is crucial.
  • The Intensity of Protective Instinct: The "bear robbed of her whelps" serves as a timeless metaphor for the extreme and often irrational lengths to which individuals will go when what they cherish is threatened.
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Cross-References

  • Hosea 13:8 (6 votes)

    I will meet them as a bear [that is] bereaved [of her whelps], and will rend the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild beast shall tear them.

  • 1 Samuel 16:18 (4 votes)

    Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, [that is] cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD [is] with him.

  • Daniel 7:5 (3 votes)

    And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and [it had] three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.

  • Proverbs 17:12 (3 votes)

    ¶ Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

  • Hebrews 11:32 (3 votes)

    ¶ And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and [of] Barak, and [of] Samson, and [of] Jephthae; [of] David also, and Samuel, and [of] the prophets:

  • Hebrews 11:34 (3 votes)

    Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

  • 2 Kings 2:24 (2 votes)

    And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.