This verse in 2 Samuel 17:15 essentially summarizes the current situation in the David/Absalom conflict. Let's break it down:
"Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests...": Hushai, David's trusted advisor who had infiltrated Absalom's camp, is communicating with David's loyal priests, Zadok and Abiathar. This is a crucial secret meeting point for the loyalists to exchange information and coordinate their efforts.
"Ahithophel counseled Absalom and the elders of Israel that way...": This refers to Ahithophel's (David's former trusted advisor, now turned traitor and advisor to Absalom) advice to immediately pursue and kill David. Ahithophel's counsel was widely respected for its wisdom and accuracy.
"...and I have counseled this way.": Hushai is stating that he has given Absalom different advice. In the preceding verses (2 Samuel 17:7-13), Hushai had advised Absalom to gather a massive army and lead the attack against David personally, which would take time to organize. This was a deliberate strategy to delay Absalom's pursuit, giving David time to regroup.
In summary:
Hushai is informing Zadok and Abiathar that he successfully countered Ahithophel's dangerous advice with his own (seemingly more appealing but ultimately delaying) plan. He's conveying that he is playing the role of a double agent, working to protect David from Absalom's rebellion.
This verse highlights the tension and intrigue within the narrative. The priests, Zadok and Abiathar, now know that Hushai has successfully delayed Absalom, buying David precious time. It sets the stage for the next steps in David's plan to escape and ultimately defeat Absalom.
This verse in 2 Samuel 17:15 essentially summarizes the current situation in the David/Absalom conflict. Let's break it down:
"Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests...": Hushai, David's trusted advisor who had infiltrated Absalom's camp, is communicating with David's loyal priests, Zadok and Abiathar. This is a crucial secret meeting point for the loyalists to exchange information and coordinate their efforts.
"Ahithophel counseled Absalom and the elders of Israel that way...": This refers to Ahithophel's (David's former trusted advisor, now turned traitor and advisor to Absalom) advice to immediately pursue and kill David. Ahithophel's counsel was widely respected for its wisdom and accuracy.
"...and I have counseled this way.": Hushai is stating that he has given Absalom different advice. In the preceding verses (2 Samuel 17:7-13), Hushai had advised Absalom to gather a massive army and lead the attack against David personally, which would take time to organize. This was a deliberate strategy to delay Absalom's pursuit, giving David time to regroup.
In summary:
Hushai is informing Zadok and Abiathar that he successfully countered Ahithophel's dangerous advice with his own (seemingly more appealing but ultimately delaying) plan. He's conveying that he is playing the role of a double agent, working to protect David from Absalom's rebellion.
This verse highlights the tension and intrigue within the narrative. The priests, Zadok and Abiathar, now know that Hushai has successfully delayed Absalom, buying David precious time. It sets the stage for the next steps in David's plan to escape and ultimately defeat Absalom.