2 Samuel 17:5-15

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:13

Moreover, if he be gotten into a city ,.... A strong fortified place, thinking to secure himself there, where he might hold out against those that were risen against him; the former part of the account supposes him in the field, where he would soon be detected, if hidden in a pit or any other place, or if he appeared openly would quickly be overthrown by the numerous forces of Absalom; and here it suggests, should he betake himself to a city for shelter: then shall all Israel bring ropes... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:14

And Absalom and all the men of Israel said ,.... That is, the elders, who before approved of the counsel of Ahithophel, 2 Samuel 17:4 , the counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel ; it appeared to them most plausible, and most likely to be attended with success: for the Lord had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel ; for so it was to Absalom and his party the best and wisest that could be given them; but it was the Lord's will it... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:15

Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests ,.... After he was returned from the council board, he immediately went to these priests, who he knew were in the interest of David, and to whom he was to communicate, and by them transmit, what passed at Jerusalem, 2 Samuel 15:35 , thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel ; relating to them in express words what he advised to: and thus and thus have I counselled ; telling them in what manner he... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 17:8

As a bear robbed of her whelps - All wild beasts are very furious when robbed of their young; but we have some remarkable instances of the maternal affection of the bear in such circumstances; see one at the end of the chapter. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 17:13

Shall all Israel bring ropes to that city - The original word חבלים chabalim , which signifies ropes, and from which we have our word cable, may have some peculiarity of meaning here; for it is not likely that any city could be pulled down with ropes. The Chaldee, which should be best judge in this case, translates the original word by משרין mashreyan , towers: this gives an easy sense. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:1-14

Conflicting counsels. The facts are: 1 . Ahithophel, in advising Absalom, suggests that he himself should fall upon David by night, when weary, with twelve thousand select men, and urges that by so doing a final blow will be so struck as to secure the fealty of all Israel. 2 . The suggestion is pleasing to Absalom, but he, before deciding, wishes to have the counsel of Hushai. 3 . On being called to give counsel, Hushai expresses distrust of the counsel of Ahithophel, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:1-14

( JERUSALEM .) The council chamber of Absalom. "And Jehovah had appointed," etc. ( 2 Samuel 17:14 ). The success of the rebellion seemed well nigh complete. Absalom occupied the capital; was proclaimed by "all Israel;" supported by the wisest statesman, and, apparently, by "the king's friend" and the high priests; held his council ( 2 Samuel 16:20 ); and took possession of the harem, "the first decided act of sovereignty" (subsequently he was also solemnly anointed, 2 Samuel 19:10... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:7

And Hushai said. Hushai gives his advice with much Oriental exaggeration, such as ought to have put Absalom on his guard. His main points are that David was too practised a soldier to let himself be surprised. In his adventures with Saul he and his men had been trained to hold large bodies of pursuers at bay, and evade them. The men, too, who were with him were warriors of desperate valour, whose first thought would be the king's personal safety, and to ensure this they would conceal him in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:9

When some of them be overthrown at the first; Hebrew, in the falling on them; that is, at the first onslaught of David's champions. Even though overpowered finally by force of numbers, they are sure to make a large slaughter at first, which may easily lead to a panic. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:11

And that thou go to battle in thine own person; literally, and that thy presence go to the battle. The versions have preserved a much better reading, "And that thy presence go in the midst of them." read more

Group of Brands