The verse "The saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel" (2 Samuel 17:4) means that the advice being offered to Absalom was well-received and considered favorably by both Absalom himself and the group of influential leaders (elders) representing the people of Israel.
To understand the significance, we need context:
The Situation: Absalom is in rebellion against his father, King David. He has driven David from Jerusalem and is seeking to consolidate his power and definitively defeat David.
The Advice: This verse immediately follows Ahithophel's plan to swiftly pursue and kill David (2 Samuel 17:1-3). Ahithophel, once David's trusted advisor, has now betrayed him and joined Absalom. His plan is ruthless and strategically sound.
The Meaning: The phrase "pleased Absalom well" means that Absalom liked Ahithophel's plan. He found it agreeable, desirable, and likely saw it as a good way to achieve his goals (killing David and securing the throne).
"All the elders of Israel": This is crucial. Ahithophel wasn't just giving advice in a vacuum. He was speaking to a council of elders, prominent and respected figures from across the tribes of Israel. The fact that they also approved of the plan highlights a few things:
Widespread Support for Absalom: It demonstrates that Absalom's rebellion had gained significant traction and support among the leadership in Israel. They were willing to back a plan that involved killing the reigning king, David.
Ahithophel's Influence: It shows how highly Ahithophel's counsel was regarded. The elders respected his judgment and trusted his strategic acumen.
Moral Implications: It reveals a concerning moral lapse. The elders, who should have been upholders of justice and loyalty, were willing to endorse a treacherous and violent act against their king.
In Summary:
The verse underscores the dangerous situation David was in. It highlights that Absalom had gained substantial support, fueled by Ahithophel's influence and a willingness among influential elders to endorse even the most brutal measures to achieve Absalom's ambitions. This sets the stage for the conflict that follows and the eventual downfall of Absalom. It's important to note that the very next verses show that God intervened to thwart Ahithophel's plan by having Absalom seek other advice.
The verse "The saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel" (2 Samuel 17:4) means that the advice being offered to Absalom was well-received and considered favorably by both Absalom himself and the group of influential leaders (elders) representing the people of Israel.
To understand the significance, we need context:
The Situation: Absalom is in rebellion against his father, King David. He has driven David from Jerusalem and is seeking to consolidate his power and definitively defeat David.
The Advice: This verse immediately follows Ahithophel's plan to swiftly pursue and kill David (2 Samuel 17:1-3). Ahithophel, once David's trusted advisor, has now betrayed him and joined Absalom. His plan is ruthless and strategically sound.
The Meaning: The phrase "pleased Absalom well" means that Absalom liked Ahithophel's plan. He found it agreeable, desirable, and likely saw it as a good way to achieve his goals (killing David and securing the throne).
"All the elders of Israel": This is crucial. Ahithophel wasn't just giving advice in a vacuum. He was speaking to a council of elders, prominent and respected figures from across the tribes of Israel. The fact that they also approved of the plan highlights a few things:
Widespread Support for Absalom: It demonstrates that Absalom's rebellion had gained significant traction and support among the leadership in Israel. They were willing to back a plan that involved killing the reigning king, David.
Ahithophel's Influence: It shows how highly Ahithophel's counsel was regarded. The elders respected his judgment and trusted his strategic acumen.
Moral Implications: It reveals a concerning moral lapse. The elders, who should have been upholders of justice and loyalty, were willing to endorse a treacherous and violent act against their king.
In Summary:
The verse underscores the dangerous situation David was in. It highlights that Absalom had gained substantial support, fueled by Ahithophel's influence and a willingness among influential elders to endorse even the most brutal measures to achieve Absalom's ambitions. This sets the stage for the conflict that follows and the eventual downfall of Absalom. It's important to note that the very next verses show that God intervened to thwart Ahithophel's plan by having Absalom seek other advice.
