2 Samuel 16:23-17:14, 2 Samuel 17:23 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:15-23

Absalom had notice sent him speedily by some of his friends at Jerusalem that David had withdrawn, and with what a small retinue he had gone; so that the coasts were clear, Absalom might take possession of Jerusalem when he pleased. The gates were open, and there was none to oppose him. Accordingly he came without delay (2 Sam. 16:15), extremely elevated, no doubt, with this success at first, and that that in which, when he formed his design, he probably apprehended the greatest difficulty,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:23

And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he had counselled in those days ,.... Both in the days of David, and in the days of Absalom, before and since the rebellion: was as if a man had inquired of the oracle of God ; such an opinion was entertained of it, so well satisfied were they with it, and as confident of success in taking it, as if the Lord himself had been consulted by Urim and Thummim; this is a very great exaggeration of Ahithophel's counsel, and is observed as a reason why it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:15-23

Illustrations of facts and principles. The facts are: 1 . Absalom enters Jerusalem with his adherents and Ahithophel. 2 . Hushai presents himself before Absalom, with a salutation in ambiguous language. 3 . On Absalom expressing surprise that he had not gone with David, he, with studied caution, expresses his readiness to serve whom the Lord and all the men of Israel might choose, and further declares his intention to "serve" in the son's presence as he had in the father's. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:23

The counsel of Ahithophel, etc. These words form a sort of apology for Absalom. He ought to have had more respect for his father than to offer him so grievous an insult, and aggravate by so terrible a deed the quarrel between them. But his conduct from first to last was utterly mean and selfish, and his only excuse here is that there was such a glamour round Ahithophel, that men yielded up their own judgment to him without an effort, and did what he advised as if it had a religious sanction.... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 16:23

2 Samuel 16:23. The counsel of Ahithophel, &c. It was deemed as unerring, and was commonly followed with as little doubt of its success, as though the oracle of God had dictated it. This is mentioned as the reason why counsel, which carried so ill a face, should meet with such general approbation. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:1-23

Apparent success of the revolt (16:1-23)As David left Jerusalem, Ziba (whom David had appointed to manage the property of Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth; see 9:9-13) took the opportunity to win David’s favour by bringing him food and animals to assist his escape. Ziba then told David that Mephibosheth was a traitor who was planning to seize the throne for himself. As a result David took away Mephibosheth’s property and gave it to Ziba, though later events showed there was some doubt whether... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 16:23

as = according as. oracle = word. The first occurrence of "oracle" as a rendering (fifteen times) of dabar, word. The holy of holies, because there the word of Jehovah was heard. Other occurrences: see 1 Kings 6:5 , 1Ki 6:16 , 1 Kings 6:19 , 1 Kings 6:20 , 1Ki 6:22 , 1 Kings 6:23 , 1 Kings 6:31 ; 1 Kings 8:6 , 1 Kings 8:8 ; 2Ch 3:16 ; 2 Chronicles 3:4 , 2Ch 3:20 ; 2Ch 5:7 , 2 Chronicles 5:9 . Psalms 28:2 Compare N.T. usage in plural: Acts 7:38 . Romans 3:2 . Heb 5:12 . 1 Peter 4:11 . read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Samuel 16:15-29

The counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai 16:15-17:29This is the central unit of chapters 5-20, and its central focus is the judgment that Hushai’s advice was better than Ahithophel’s (2 Samuel 17:14). This advice is the pivot on which the fortunes of David turned in his dealings with Absalom.Hushai was loyal to David primarily because David was the Lord’s anointed (2 Samuel 16:18). His words to Absalom implied that he was supporting the revolution, but everything that Hushai said could have been... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 16:1-23

Ziba, Shimei, and AhithophelDavid, during his flight, is assisted by Ziba, but is cursed by Shimei. The cause of Absalom is promoted by the wise counsel of Ahithophel.1. An hundred of summer fruits] a hundred cakes into which summer fruits were compressed. 2. With true Oriental deference he does not venture to say they are for the king’s own use, 8. All the blood of the house of Saul] The reference is probably to the incident recorded in 2 Samuel 21:1-14.11. The lord hath bidden him] David... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:15-23

CHAPTER 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

2 Samuel 16:23-17:14, 2 Samuel 17:23 Niv