2 samuel 17:12 - So shall we come on him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light on him as the dew falls on the ground; and of him and of all the men who are with him we will not leave so much as one.

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 17:12

What does "2 samuel 17:12" mean?


This verse, from 2 Samuel 17:12, is part of a plan being proposed by Hushai to Absalom, who is in rebellion against his father, King David. Hushai is pretending to advise Absalom but is secretly working to undermine him.

Let's break down the verse:

"So shall we come on him in some place where he shall be found...": This is a suggestion for a surprise attack on David and his men. The idea is to find David where he is vulnerable.
"...and we will light on him as the dew falls on the ground...": This is a vivid simile comparing the attackers to dew. Dew is seemingly gentle and pervasive but covers everything. This suggests a massive, all-encompassing attack, covering David and his men. It implies speed and overwhelming force.
"...and of him and of all the men who are with him we will not leave so much as one.": This is the crux of the plan: utter annihilation. The plan is not just to defeat David but to completely eradicate him and his entire army. This is a ruthless promise of total destruction.

In essence, the verse means:

Hushai is suggesting a swift, devastating surprise attack on David and his forces in a place where they can be easily overwhelmed. The attack will be so thorough that no one will survive. It's a proposition of complete extermination.

Context and Significance:

The verse is significant because:

It's Deceptive: Hushai's plan sounds good to Absalom, but it's actually intended to delay Absalom and give David time to escape and gather more forces.
It Shows Ruthlessness: The verse demonstrates the brutal stakes of the rebellion and the willingness to kill not just David, but everyone loyal to him.
It's a Failed Strategy: This plan ultimately fails because God is with David, and He will not let David and his men be vanquished in that way. Hushai's deception delays Absalom, and David survives.

In short, the verse represents a cunningly crafted plan of utter annihilation, disguised as sound advice, that ultimately contributes to the failure of Absalom's rebellion. It highlights the desperate measures taken during this period of civil war and betrayal.

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