2 Samuel 17:4 NIV

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 17:4

And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all elders of Israel. That were of the privy council; for it was a well contrived scheme to surprise David his men by night, in the condition they were in; nothing like seizing an opportunity, and making quick dispatch in executing a villainous design; only it is strange that Absalom could so easily come into a scheme to take away the life of so indulgent a father, which is only to be accounted for by his ambition; but it is stranger still that the... 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 17:4

All the elders of Israel. Their presence seems to show that Absalom professed to act in an orderly and constitutional manner, and with the advice of those in authority. It was possibly this wish to keep up appearances which made him command Hushai to be summoned, as he was one whose advice would certainly have been asked had matters gone on in their ordinary channel. So again in 2 Samuel 17:14 , 2 Samuel 17:15 , Absalom acts only with the popular consent. Very probably the royal power... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 17:4

2 Samuel 17:4. The saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel That such a wretch as Absalom should aim at his father’s throat is not strange. But that the body of the people, to whom David had been so great a blessing, should join with him in it, is amazing. But the finger of God was in it. Let not the best of parents, or the best of princes, think it strange if they are injured by those who should be their support and joy, when they (like David) have provoked God to turn... 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 17:4

pleased = was good in the eyes of, and = and [in the eyes of] all. 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

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:1-14

3CHAPTER XXII.ABSALOM IN COUNCIL.2 Samuel 16:15-23; 2 Samuel 17:1-14; 2 Samuel 17:23.WE must now return to Jerusalem, and trace the course of events there on that memorable day when David left it, to flee toward the wilderness, just a few hours before Absalom entered it from Hebron. When Absalom came to the city, there was no trace of an enemy to oppose him. His supporters in Jerusalem would no doubt go out to meet him, and conduct him to the palace with great demonstrations of delight. Eastern... read more

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:4

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:1-14

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:1-14

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:4

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 17:4

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:1-29

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 17:4

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

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 17:1-14

Group of Brands