II Samuel 17 - Absalom Strategizes

 

II Samuel 17- Absalom Strategizes

 

Ahithophel said to Absalom. “Let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will come upon him while he is weak and weary. He will be afraid, and all his people will flee, and I will kill the king only.” Ahithophel thought that if David could be destroyed, the rebellion would be broken, and Absalom would be made king. Absalom agreed to the heartless plan, but Hushai offered an altogether different strategy. He says, “you would be very foolish to attack David now. He is an expert at evading capture. He would know where to hide. He would know how to escape. Soon word would circulate that you were losing the battle and the people who had joined you will not stay with you.”  His strategy was to gather all Israel and overwhelm David by sheer numbers. Hushai’s advice was good, but it was not for Absalom’s benefit. It was to give David time to regroup. God was at work in David’s behalf.

While they were gathering the nation and unite them under Absalom, Hushai sends a warning to David. He is to escape over the Jordan quickly.

Because Ahithophel was a proud man and a highly respected advisor, when he saw that his counsel was not followed, he considered his career over. The record says that he put his house in order, then hanged himself.

David finds that he has many allies. The rulers of these kingdom’s probably have very little confidence in Absalom, knowing he is deceitful and tricky. He would not be dependable. However, they have confidence in David, and they bring him, and his men supplies to ease their hardship.

Absalom’s delay enables David to get supplies from his allies and ready his troops for combat.

 

 

 

 

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J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.