This verse from 2 Samuel 17:3 is a key part of Ahithophel's strategic advice to Absalom during Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Let's break down what it means:
"and I will bring back all the people to you." Ahithophel is promising Absalom that if he follows his plan (which involves a swift and decisive attack on David), he will be able to unify the kingdom behind Absalom. The people currently divided in their loyalties will, according to Ahithophel, support Absalom.
"The man whom you seek is as if all returned." This is the crux of the strategy. "The man you seek" refers to King David. Ahithophel is saying that by killing David, the rebellion will be effectively over. With David dead, the kingdom will see Absalom as the legitimate king, and it will be as if all the people who had sided with David have now returned to Absalom's side. David is the obstacle. Remove him, and the resistance crumbles.
"All the people shall be in peace." This is the end goal Ahithophel paints for Absalom. By quickly eliminating David, he argues, Absalom can avoid a prolonged and bloody civil war. Killing David is presented as the path to a swift and complete peace, a stability gained through decisive action.
In summary:
Ahithophel's plan is based on the idea that David is the only significant obstacle to Absalom's reign. He proposes a targeted assassination of David, arguing that this will:
1. Convince the people to support Absalom.
2. Eliminate the source of resistance.
3. Bring immediate peace to the kingdom.
Important Context:
Ahithophel was known for his wise and insightful counsel. Therefore, Absalom was initially inclined to follow his advice.
However, God intervened by sending Hushai, a loyal friend of David, to give Absalom alternative (and less effective) advice that Absalom ultimately chose to follow. This decision proved disastrous for Absalom and his rebellion.
The verse illustrates the cold, calculating nature of Ahithophel's advice, which prioritizes political expediency and power over morality or familial loyalty. It highlights the ruthless decisions leaders sometimes face during times of conflict.
The passage is part of a larger narrative about rebellion, betrayal, and the consequences of ambition.
The verse is significant because it encapsulates the strategy that could have potentially led to Absalom's success. It shows how a calculated act of violence was presented as a means to achieve peace and unity. However, the narrative ultimately demonstrates that such a path is not always successful and can lead to disastrous outcomes.
This verse from 2 Samuel 17:3 is a key part of Ahithophel's strategic advice to Absalom during Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Let's break down what it means:
"and I will bring back all the people to you." Ahithophel is promising Absalom that if he follows his plan (which involves a swift and decisive attack on David), he will be able to unify the kingdom behind Absalom. The people currently divided in their loyalties will, according to Ahithophel, support Absalom.
"The man whom you seek is as if all returned." This is the crux of the strategy. "The man you seek" refers to King David. Ahithophel is saying that by killing David, the rebellion will be effectively over. With David dead, the kingdom will see Absalom as the legitimate king, and it will be as if all the people who had sided with David have now returned to Absalom's side. David is the obstacle. Remove him, and the resistance crumbles.
"All the people shall be in peace." This is the end goal Ahithophel paints for Absalom. By quickly eliminating David, he argues, Absalom can avoid a prolonged and bloody civil war. Killing David is presented as the path to a swift and complete peace, a stability gained through decisive action.
In summary:
Ahithophel's plan is based on the idea that David is the only significant obstacle to Absalom's reign. He proposes a targeted assassination of David, arguing that this will:
1. Convince the people to support Absalom.
2. Eliminate the source of resistance.
3. Bring immediate peace to the kingdom.
Important Context:
Ahithophel was known for his wise and insightful counsel. Therefore, Absalom was initially inclined to follow his advice.
However, God intervened by sending Hushai, a loyal friend of David, to give Absalom alternative (and less effective) advice that Absalom ultimately chose to follow. This decision proved disastrous for Absalom and his rebellion.
The verse illustrates the cold, calculating nature of Ahithophel's advice, which prioritizes political expediency and power over morality or familial loyalty. It highlights the ruthless decisions leaders sometimes face during times of conflict.
The passage is part of a larger narrative about rebellion, betrayal, and the consequences of ambition.
The verse is significant because it encapsulates the strategy that could have potentially led to Absalom's success. It shows how a calculated act of violence was presented as a means to achieve peace and unity. However, the narrative ultimately demonstrates that such a path is not always successful and can lead to disastrous outcomes.