2 Samuel 17:9

KJV

Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some [other] place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, he is hid {H2244} now in some {H259} pit {H6354}, or in some {H259} other place {H4725}: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown {H5307} at the first {H8462}, that whosoever {H8085} heareth {H8085} it will say {H559}, There is a slaughter {H4046} among the people {H5971} that follow {H310} Absalom {H53}.

Complete Jewish Bible

right now he's hidden in a pit or somewhere. So what will happen is this: when they begin their attack, and whoever hears about it says, 'A slaughter is taking place among Avshalom's followers,'

Berean Standard Bible

Surely by now he is hiding in a cave or some other location. If some of your troops fall first, whoever hears of it will say, ‘There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom.’

American Standard Version

Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them are fallen at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 17:9 captures a pivotal moment in Hushai the Archite's cunning counter-counsel to Absalom, a strategic deception designed to undermine Ahithophel's sound but dangerous advice and secure King David crucial time to escape and regroup. Hushai masterfully paints a picture of David as a formidable, hidden warrior, ready to ambush Absalom's forces, thereby instilling fear and advocating for a delayed, large-scale attack that would ultimately prove disastrous for Absalom's rebellion. This verse is a testament to the power of psychological warfare and divine intervention in human affairs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the dramatic narrative of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David, as chronicled in [2 Samuel 15-18](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15-18 - Absalom's Rebellion"). Following Absalom's usurpation of the throne and David's hasty flight from Jerusalem ([2 Samuel 15:14](/2_samuel/15-14 "2 Samuel 15:14 - David Flees Jerusalem")), the immediate tension centers on the contrasting counsel offered to Absalom by Ahithophel and Hushai. Ahithophel, renowned for his sagacity, advises an immediate and decisive pursuit of David ([2 Samuel 17:1-3](/2_samuel/17-1 "2 Samuel 17:1-3 - Ahithophel's Counsel")), which would likely have led to David's swift capture and death. However, David, through divine inspiration and strategic foresight, had sent Hushai back to Jerusalem as a double agent ([2 Samuel 15:34-37](/2_samuel/15-34 "2 Samuel 15:34-37 - Hushai's Mission")). In [2 Samuel 17:7-13](/2_samuel/17-7 "2 Samuel 17:7-13 - Hushai's Counter-Counsel"), Hushai presents his elaborate counter-proposal, and verse 9 specifically details the psychological tactic he employs: portraying David not as a weak, fleeing king, but as a dangerous, cornered lion, hiding in ambush, ready to inflict a devastating blow. This narrative twist is crucial for delaying Absalom's pursuit and ultimately allowing David to escape across the Jordan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near Eastern world, including Israel, placed a high value on military prowess and reputation, especially for a king. David's past as a renowned warrior, from his victory over Goliath ([1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath")) to his many conquests, was legendary. Hushai shrewdly leverages this established reputation. The concept of "counsel" in royal courts was paramount; kings relied on trusted advisors for strategic decisions, and the quality of advice could determine the fate of a kingdom. Furthermore, ancient warfare often involved psychological tactics, using fear and rumor to demoralize opponents. The geographical understanding of "pits" (cisterns, caves) and "places" (hidden ravines, dense thickets) in the rugged Judean wilderness would have made Hushai's description of David's potential hiding spots and ambush tactics highly believable and terrifying to Absalom's council. The immediate impact of an initial defeat, as described by Hushai, could indeed trigger a rout among less disciplined, newly formed armies, a common phenomenon in ancient battles.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes woven throughout the narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **strategic deception** and **psychological warfare**. Hushai masterfully constructs a narrative designed to exploit Absalom's fears and vanity, painting a vivid and terrifying picture of David's potential ambush, thereby misleading Absalom and his followers. Secondly, it underscores **David's enduring reputation as a formidable warrior**, even in vulnerability. Hushai shrewdly capitalizes on David's past military prowess, likening him to a "bear robbed of her whelps" ([2 Samuel 17:8](/2_samuel/17-8 "2 Samuel 17:8 - David's Ferocity")), to instill a paralyzing fear. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **psychological impact of initial defeat and rumor**. Hushai argues that even a small initial setback for Absalom's troops would be magnified into a widespread "slaughter" due to panic and the pervasive fear of David's legendary fighting ability, leading to a complete demoralization of the army. Finally, and most profoundly, the acceptance of Hushai's seemingly inferior counsel over Ahithophel's superior advice is explicitly attributed to **divine intervention**. [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel") reveals that "the LORD had purposed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom." This demonstrates God's sovereignty, guiding events even amidst human schemes and deceptions to fulfill His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hid (Hebrew, _ḥāvā'_):** This verb means "to hide oneself, to be concealed, to lie in ambush." Hushai uses it to suggest David is not merely fleeing in fear but strategically concealing himself, poised for a surprise attack. This implies a deliberate, tactical maneuver rather than a desperate retreat, amplifying the perceived danger David poses.
* **Pit (Hebrew, _bôr_):** This noun refers to a cistern, a well, a dungeon, or a natural hollow. It suggests a confined, often dark and deep, hidden place. The choice of this word enhances the image of David being in a position from which he could launch a sudden, unexpected, and devastating assault, reinforcing the idea of an ambush from an unseen vantage point.
* **Slaughter (Hebrew, _maggēphāh_):** This term denotes a defeat, a plague, a calamity, or a rout. It implies a widespread, devastating blow, often with divine overtones (as in a plague sent by God). Hushai's use of "slaughter" suggests not just a tactical loss but a catastrophic, panic-induced rout that would decimate Absalom's forces and demoralize his entire following, playing on the psychological vulnerability of a newly formed, less loyal army.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some [other] place:"** Hushai begins by asserting David's current, concealed location. This immediately establishes David as a hidden threat, not a helpless fugitive. The mention of "pit" or "other place" suggests a strategic, concealed position, leveraging the rugged terrain of the Judean wilderness where David was known to hide (e.g., [1 Samuel 23:19](/1_samuel/23-19 "1 Samuel 23:19 - David Hides in the Wilderness")). This creates an image of David as a dangerous, unseen predator, ready to spring.
* **"and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first,"** This clause sets up the scenario for panic. Hushai predicts that even a small initial defeat of Absalom's vanguard or first wave of attackers would have disproportionate consequences. The phrase "at the first" (literally "at the beginning") implies the initial engagement, suggesting that even a minor setback early in the battle would be enough to trigger a wider collapse. This plays on the psychology of an army, especially one formed by rebellion, which might lack the discipline and loyalty of a seasoned force.
* **"that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom."** This is the climax of Hushai's psychological strategy. He predicts the widespread rumor and panic that would ensue from the initial defeat. The word "slaughter" (Hebrew: _maggēphāh_) implies a devastating, widespread calamity, far more severe than a mere tactical loss. Hushai suggests that the news, amplified by fear and David's fearsome reputation, would spread like wildfire, causing a complete rout and demoralization among Absalom's followers. This would lead to the entire army abandoning the pursuit, thus buying David critical time.

#### Literary Devices
Hushai's counsel in 2 Samuel 17:9 is a masterclass in **Psychological Warfare** and **Rhetoric**. He employs **Hyperbole** by exaggerating the impact of a small initial defeat into a full-blown "slaughter," knowing that fear and rumor can be more potent than actual casualties. His vivid description of David as hidden and ready to ambush, building on the earlier **Metaphor** of David as a "bear robbed of her whelps" ([2 Samuel 17:8](/2_samuel/17-8 "2 Samuel 17:8 - David's Ferocity")), serves to instill terror and hesitation. This is also a form of **Foreshadowing**, as the panic Hushai predicts ultimately contributes to Absalom's downfall. The entire speech is a dramatic **Irony**, as Hushai, ostensibly advising Absalom, is actually working to save David, using the very strengths of David's reputation against Absalom's ambition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 17:9, while a testament to human cunning, ultimately serves as a powerful illustration of divine sovereignty overriding human wisdom. Hushai's brilliant deception, though humanly conceived, is explicitly stated to be God's instrument to thwart Ahithophel's superior counsel and bring about Absalom's destruction ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")). This highlights a profound theological truth: God can use any means, even the strategic deceptions of men, to accomplish His purposes and protect His anointed. It demonstrates that true wisdom and ultimate victory do not rest in human ingenuity or military might, but in the unfolding of God's sovereign plan. The narrative reminds us that even when circumstances appear dire and human plans are at their most intricate, God remains in control, orchestrating events to fulfill His righteous will and preserve His covenant promises.
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hushai's counsel offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God often works through unexpected and seemingly convoluted means to achieve His purposes. While we are called to be wise and discerning, employing strategic thinking in our lives, we must ultimately rest in the sovereignty of God, knowing that His plans cannot be thwarted by human schemes or adversities. This passage encourages us to trust that even in moments of chaos, betrayal, and uncertainty, God is actively working behind the scenes, orchestrating events for our good and His glory. It challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances and perceive the larger, divine narrative at play, fostering a deeper reliance on God's wisdom rather than solely on our own ingenuity or the counsel of others. Furthermore, it underscores the enduring power of reputation and the psychological impact of fear and rumor; as believers, our character and consistency in faith can either be a source of strength in adversity or a point of vulnerability.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Hushai's strategic deception challenge or affirm your understanding of God's involvement in human affairs?**
* **In what ways might God be working "behind the scenes" in your current challenging circumstances, even if His hand is not immediately obvious?**
* **How does David's reputation, both as a warrior and as God's anointed, play a role in this narrative, and what does that teach us about the long-term impact of our character?**
* **What counsel are you currently receiving, and how can you discern if it aligns with God's ultimate purposes, even if it seems "good" on the surface?**

### FAQ

**Why was Hushai's counsel accepted over Ahithophel's, given that Ahithophel's advice seemed militarily superior?**

Answer: Ahithophel's counsel to pursue David immediately was indeed militarily sound and likely would have led to David's swift defeat. However, [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel") explicitly states the divine reason: "For the LORD had purposed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom." Absalom and his advisors were swayed by Hushai's more flattering and seemingly less risky plan because God sovereignly intervened to frustrate Ahithophel's "good" counsel. This demonstrates that God can manipulate human decisions and perceptions to accomplish His ultimate will, even when it involves seemingly illogical choices from a human perspective.

**Was Hushai's deception morally justifiable, given that he was lying?**

Answer: The Bible often narrates events without explicitly endorsing or condemning every action. Hushai's deception was a strategic act of loyalty to King David, God's anointed, and was instrumental in preserving his life and the Davidic line. From a theological perspective, it was part of God's larger plan to defeat Absalom's rebellion. While deception is generally condemned in scripture ([Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are Abomination to the Lord")), biblical narratives sometimes present instances where individuals use deception in situations of warfare or to protect the innocent, and God works through these actions to achieve His purposes (e.g., the Hebrew midwives in [Exodus 1:15-21](/exodus/1-15 "Exodus 1:15-21 - The Hebrew Midwives")). This passage highlights God's sovereignty over human actions, even those that might be morally ambiguous, to bring about His righteous ends.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Hushai's counsel and David's deliverance in 2 Samuel 17:9 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Just as David, God's anointed king, was in a vulnerable position, seemingly "hid in some pit" from his enemies, so too was Christ, the ultimate Anointed One, seemingly defeated and hidden in the tomb. Yet, this "hiding" was not a sign of weakness but a strategic position for the ultimate ambush of sin and death. Through His death and resurrection, Christ, like David, turned apparent defeat into ultimate victory, frustrating the schemes of the true enemy, Satan, and his followers. The "slaughter" Hushai predicted for Absalom's forces foreshadows the decisive and complete victory Christ achieved over the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph over Principalities")). Furthermore, just as God sovereignly frustrated Ahithophel's "wise" counsel for David's sake, so too did God make foolish the wisdom of the world through the cross of Christ ([1 Corinthians 1:20-25](/1_corinthians/1-20 "1 Corinthians 1:20-25 - The Foolishness of God is Wiser than Human Wisdom")). Christ is our ultimate "hiding place" and refuge ([Psalm 91:1](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1 - Dwelling in the Secret Place")), the one who, by His strategic "hiding" and subsequent resurrection, secured eternal deliverance for all who follow Him, ensuring that no counsel or power can ever prevail against His kingdom ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail")).

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

1 Samuel 14:14

And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, [which] a yoke [of oxen might plow].

1 Samuel 14:15

And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.

1 Samuel 22:1

¶ David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard [it], they went down thither to him.

Joshua 8:6

(For they will come out after us) till we have drawn them from the city; for they will say, They flee before us, as at the first: therefore we will flee before them.

1 Samuel 24:3

And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where [was] a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave.

Judges 20:32

And the children of Benjamin said, They [are] smitten down before us, as at the first. But the children of Israel said, Let us flee, and draw them from the city unto the highways.

Judges 20:33

And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and put themselves in array at Baaltamar: and the liers in wait of Israel came forth out of their places, [even] out of the meadows of Gibeah.