2 Samuel 17:8

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 17:8

For (said Hushai) thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men ,.... Men of courage and valour, and not such weak-handed and weak-hearted men, and so easily intimidated, as Ahithophel suggests: and they be chafed in their minds ; or "bitter in soul" F6 מרי נפש "amari animo", Pagninus, Montanus; "amaro animo", V. L. Tigurine version, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator. ; not merely filled with trouble and anguish, and depressed in their spirits, on account of... 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

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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 17:7-8

2 Samuel 17:7-8. The counsel of Ahithophel is not good at this time Though he generally gives most wise and admirable counsel, yet he seems now to be under a mistake, and not sufficiently to consider all the present circumstances of this business. Thou knowest thy father and his men Hushai, setting himself to oppose all the articles of Ahithophel’s advice, some openly, and others covertly, begins with giving a lively and dreadful description of the enemies Absalom had to deal with. That... 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 17:8

men . Hebrew. 'enosh. App-14 . mighty men . Hebrew. gibborim. App-14 . chafed = bitter. minds = souls. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 . read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Samuel 17:8

2 Samuel 17:8. They be chased in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps— The curious have, in general, long since remarked the coarseness of the images used in the Eastern writings. I have met with instances of this kind, which may serve to illustrate some passages of Scripture more perfectly than I have yet seen. In particular, Hushai's comparing David and his men, in this place, to a bear robbed of her whelps, appears to us very odd; and it shocks our delicacy much more when we find it... 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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