2 Samuel 17:14

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:1-14

Absalom is now in peaceable possession of Jerusalem; the palace-royal is his own, as are the thrones of judgment, even the thrones of the house of David. His good father reigned in Hebron, and only over the tribe of Judah, above seven years, and was not hasty to destroy his rival; his government was built upon a divine promise, the performance of which he was sure of in due time, and therefore he waited patiently in the mean time. But the young man, Absalom, not only hastens from Hebron to... 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

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 17:14

The counsel of Hushai is better. It seemed safer. Nothing in it was left to chance, and Absalom, already at the head of such numbers as to be able to select from them twelve thousand picked men, saw himself, in fancy, marching forward with all Israel at his feet. As a matter of fact, he did advance with so large an army that David was saved only by the skilful strategy of Joab. Like other king makers, Ahithophel had put himself too forward. He asked for twelve thousand men to be placed under... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 17:14

2 Samuel 17:14. Absalom and all the men of Israel said Being infatuated by a divine power, and given up to believe a lie. The counsel of Hushai is better, &c. His advice was much better suited to Absalom’s cruelty, as well as his vanity; and seemingly to the interest of his ambition, as well as the safety of his followers, (who did not care to put any thing to the hazard of a small party,) and therefore it easily prevailed. Such is the wonderful overruling providence of God in more... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:1-29

War between Absalom and David (17:1-19:8)Ahithophel advised Absalom that he needed to do only one thing to make his throne secure, and that was kill David. If he did this swiftly, without war or unnecessary bloodshed, the people would soon be fully behind him (17:1-4). Hushai, wishing to gain time for David to escape and organize his troops, advised against such a risky operation, for David was a very experienced soldier. He recommended that the whole Israelite army be assembled and Absalom... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 17:14

the LORD . Hebrew. Jehovah . App-4 . evil = the evil. Heb, ra`a '. App-44 . read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 17:14

14. The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel—The reasons specified being extremely plausible, and expressed in the strong hyperbolical language suited to dazzle an Oriental imagination, the council declared in favor of Hushai's advice; and their resolution was the immediate cause of the discomfiture of the rebellion, although the council itself was only a link in the chain of causation held by the controlling hand of the Lord. :-. SECRET INTELLIGENCE SENT TO... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 17:1-29

The Fall of AhithophelAbsalom follows the advice of Hushai rather than that of Ahithophel, who thereupon hangs himself. David retreats to Mahanaim.3. The death of David would put an end to all resistance, and bring about peace. 7. At this time] RV ’this time.’ Hushai contrasts this suggestion of Ahithophel with his former advice (2 Samuel 16:21), which was good. 8. A man of war] Ahithophel’s advice, though plausible, was not sound. David was too experienced a warrior to be caught unprepared.16.... read more

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