2 Samuel 17:23

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:22-29

Here is, I. The transporting of David and his forces over Jordan, pursuant to the advice he had received from his friends at Jerusalem, 2 Sam. 17:22. He, and all that were with him, went over in the night, whether in ferryboats, which probably always plied there, or through the fords, does not appear. But special notice is taken of this, that there lacked not one of them: none deserted him, though his distress was great, none staid behind sick or weary, nor were any lost or cast away in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:23

And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed ,.... But that of Hushai: he saddled his ass ; or ordered it to be saddled: and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city ; which was Giloh in the tribe of Judah, 2 Samuel 15:12 , and put his household in order ; made his will, and disposed of his estates, see Isaiah 38:1 ; or "commanded his house" or "household" F20 יצו אל ביתו "praecepit ad domum suam", Montanus. ; gave orders and instructions,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 17:23

Put his household in order - This self-murder could not be called lunacy, as every step to it was deliberate. He foresaw Absalom's ruin; and he did not choose to witness it, and share in the disgrace: and he could expect no mercy at the hands of David. He was a very bad man, and died an unprepared and accursed death. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:15-29

The facts are: 1 . Hushai, having informed Zadok and Abiathar of his counsel, urges them to send quickly to David, advising him to flee at once beyond the river. 2 . Their two sons, staying out of the city in order to be of service as occasion required, are informed by a girl of the duty required, and at once go on their errand. 3 . In spite of being recognized by an enemy who told Absalom, they go on their way, and take refuge in a well at Bahurim, where they are secreted by the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:23

Ahithophel … hanged himself. There is an old fancy, put down by Thenius as one of the curiosities of interpretation, that Ahithophel died of a quinsy; for the word might mean "was strangled or choked." But the act seems mentioned as a proof of Ahithophel's unerring judgment. Indignation at Absalom's folly, and at the slight cast upon himself, is not a sufficient reason for so violent a deed. He must have foreseen the certain ruin of the conspiracy if David was allowed time; and he knew that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:23

( GILOH .) The suicide of Ahithopel. Displeased with the decision of the council ( 2 Samuel 17:14 ), Ahithophel left the city and returned to his own house, whence he had been summoned the day before ( 2 Samuel 15:12 ). While Ahimaaz and Jonathan hurried eastward toward the Jordan with their message, the renowned counsellor rode southward toward Giloh, brooding over what might have been ( 2 Samuel 17:2 ) and what would be; the shadows of night thickening around him ( 1 Samuel... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:23

Suicide. Such was the end of the great counsellor of the age, who was regarded as an "oracle of God" ( 2 Samuel 16:23 ). Astute as he was, he was evidently unprincipled. His desertion of David for Absalom, and the advice he gave the latter, show this. His wisdom did not avail for his own good. He died "as a fool dieth," and by his own hand. Yet there was a thoughtfulness and deliberateness about the deed such as was in a certain keeping with his intellectual ability. It is not difficult... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 17:23

To his city - To Giloh (marginal reference). Ahithophel was probably influenced by deep mortification at the slight put upon him by rejecting his counsel. He is a memorable example of the impotence of worldly wisdom. Compare the marginal reference. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 17:23

2 Samuel 17:23. And put his household in order Disposed of his property by will. See Isaiah 38:1. And hanged himself Partly because he could not bear to outlive his disgrace, and the rejection of his counsel; and partly because he saw that by this means, David would gain time and strength, and, in all probability, prove victorious; and that then the storm would fall most heavily upon his own head, as the main author and pillar of the rebellion, and the contriver of the pernicious counsels... 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

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