2 Samuel 17:3

And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest [is] as if all returned: [so] all the people shall be in peace.

And I will bring back {H7725} all the people {H5971} unto thee: the man {H376} whom thou seekest {H1245} is as if all returned {H7725}: so all the people {H5971} shall be in peace {H7965}.

Then I will bring back to you all the people; and when they have all returned, except the one you are seeking, all the people will be at peace."

and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.”

and I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.

Commentary

This verse is part of the counsel given by Ahithophel to Absalom during his rebellion against his father, King David. Ahithophel proposes a swift and decisive military strike aimed directly at David, believing that David's death would immediately end the conflict and bring the people back under Absalom's rule.

Context

Following Absalom's successful coup in Jerusalem, David has fled. Absalom seeks counsel from his advisors, notably Ahithophel, who was known for his shrewdness, and Hushai, who was secretly loyal to David and sent to counteract Ahithophel's advice. Ahithophel's plan, detailed in 2 Samuel 17:1-2, was to pursue David with a small, elite force and strike him down while he was weary and vulnerable. This verse summarizes the intended outcome of that plan.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Counsel: Ahithophel's military and political strategy focused entirely on neutralizing David.
  • The King as the Symbol: The idea that killing the king ("the man whom thou seekest") would be equivalent to the entire nation returning to Absalom's side, highlighting the central role of the leader.
  • False Peace: The "peace" described here is not a true reconciliation but a cessation of hostilities achieved through violence and the elimination of the opposition leader.
  • Political Expediency: The counsel prioritizes a quick, low-cost (in terms of widespread fighting) resolution, albeit through assassination.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "the man whom thou seekest [is] as if all returned" underscores Ahithophel's belief that David was the sole pillar of the opposition. His removal would cause the entire structure to collapse. The word for "peace" is the Hebrew shalom (Χ©ΦΈΧΧœΦΉΧ•Χ), which usually signifies wholeness, health, and well-being, not just the absence of conflict. Here, it is used in a political sense to mean the end of the civil war, but it's a peace built on violence and rebellion.

Reflection

Ahithophel's counsel was strategically sound from a purely military perspective focused on eliminating the head of the opposition. However, it was based on rebellion and violence against the anointed king. The narrative shows that God intervened to frustrate this plan by ensuring Absalom favored Hushai's counter-counsel (see 2 Samuel 17:14), ultimately preserving David and leading to the downfall of Absalom and Ahithophel. This highlights that human plans, even seemingly brilliant ones, are subject to God's will and often fail when they are contrary to His purposes or built on unrighteousness. It also serves as a reminder that not every cessation of conflict constitutes true peace; genuine peace aligns with God's justice and righteousness.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:3 (3 votes)

    For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

  • 2 Samuel 3:21 (2 votes)

    And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

  • Isaiah 48:22 (2 votes)

    [There is] no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.

  • Isaiah 57:21 (2 votes)

    [There is] no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.