2 samuel 17:13 - Moreover, if he has gone into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there isn’t one small stone found there.”
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What does "2 samuel 17:13" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 17:13 is part of a piece of advice given by Hushai to Absalom, who was rebelling against his father, King David. The context is a war strategy discussion. Hushai is trying to sway Absalom away from Ahithophel's (a very wise advisor) advice, which would have been immediately dangerous to David. Let's break down what it means:
"Moreover, if he has gone into a city..." - This refers to King David. Hushai is suggesting that even if David retreats into a fortified city for safety, Absalom can still overwhelm him.
"...then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city..." - Hushai's plan is incredibly hyperbolic and emphasizes the sheer force Absalom can bring to bear. It suggests that the entire nation of Israel should bring ropes to the city where David is hiding.
"...and we will draw it into the river, until there isn’t one small stone found there.” - This is the core of the hyperbole. The idea is to use the ropes to literally drag the entire city, stone by stone, into a nearby river until it is utterly destroyed and nothing remains. This is obviously not a practically feasible plan.
Interpretation:
The meaning isn't literal. Hushai's purpose isn't to describe a physically possible action. Instead, he's using exaggerated language to:
1. Flatter Absalom: He's painting a picture of Absalom's power and might. He's implying that Absalom has so much strength and support that he can achieve the impossible. This appeals to Absalom's vanity and ambition.
2. Make the victory seem inevitable and easy: By suggesting such an over-the-top plan, Hushai makes it sound like defeating David will be a simple matter of overwhelming force.
3. Delay Action: Ahithophel's plan called for immediate action which would have been devastating to David. Hushai's plan, so obviously impractical and requiring a massive effort, would take time to organize. This delay would give David time to prepare and escape.
In essence, the verse is a rhetorical device used to persuade Absalom by appealing to his ego and painting a picture of overwhelming, easy victory. The actual plan is absurd and unfeasible, but the impression it creates is what matters.
By painting Ahithophel's plan as risky and his own as powerful and inevitable, Hushai successfully convinces Absalom to follow his (Hushai's) advice, which ultimately led to Absalom's downfall and David's salvation.
2 samuel 17:13 - Moreover, if he has gone into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there isn’t one small stone found there.”
What does "2 samuel 17:13" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 17:13 is part of a piece of advice given by Hushai to Absalom, who was rebelling against his father, King David. The context is a war strategy discussion. Hushai is trying to sway Absalom away from Ahithophel's (a very wise advisor) advice, which would have been immediately dangerous to David. Let's break down what it means:
"Moreover, if he has gone into a city..." - This refers to King David. Hushai is suggesting that even if David retreats into a fortified city for safety, Absalom can still overwhelm him.
"...then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city..." - Hushai's plan is incredibly hyperbolic and emphasizes the sheer force Absalom can bring to bear. It suggests that the entire nation of Israel should bring ropes to the city where David is hiding.
"...and we will draw it into the river, until there isn’t one small stone found there.” - This is the core of the hyperbole. The idea is to use the ropes to literally drag the entire city, stone by stone, into a nearby river until it is utterly destroyed and nothing remains. This is obviously not a practically feasible plan.
Interpretation:
The meaning isn't literal. Hushai's purpose isn't to describe a physically possible action. Instead, he's using exaggerated language to:
1. Flatter Absalom: He's painting a picture of Absalom's power and might. He's implying that Absalom has so much strength and support that he can achieve the impossible. This appeals to Absalom's vanity and ambition.
2. Make the victory seem inevitable and easy: By suggesting such an over-the-top plan, Hushai makes it sound like defeating David will be a simple matter of overwhelming force.
3. Delay Action: Ahithophel's plan called for immediate action which would have been devastating to David. Hushai's plan, so obviously impractical and requiring a massive effort, would take time to organize. This delay would give David time to prepare and escape.
In essence, the verse is a rhetorical device used to persuade Absalom by appealing to his ego and painting a picture of overwhelming, easy victory. The actual plan is absurd and unfeasible, but the impression it creates is what matters.
By painting Ahithophel's plan as risky and his own as powerful and inevitable, Hushai successfully convinces Absalom to follow his (Hushai's) advice, which ultimately led to Absalom's downfall and David's salvation.