This verse in 2 Samuel 17:5 is part of a crucial strategic meeting between Absalom and his counselors after he has successfully rebelled against his father, King David. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Context: Absalom has seized power in Jerusalem. He's seeking advice on how to deal with David, who has fled the city. Ahithophel, a highly respected advisor whose counsel was considered as good as divine (2 Samuel 16:23), has just given Absalom a plan to immediately pursue and kill David. Ahithophel's plan is aggressive and likely to succeed.
"Then Absalom said...": This indicates that Absalom is in control of the meeting and directing the discussion.
"...“Now call Hushai the Archite also...": Hushai is another advisor of David's who had pretended to join Absalom's rebellion as a spy (2 Samuel 15:32-37). Absalom's decision to consult Hushai is unusual because Ahithophel's advice was already sought and considered infallible. This indicates that Absalom may be feeling insecure or hesitant about Ahithophel's aggressive plan.
"...and let us hear likewise what he says.”": Absalom wants to hear Hushai's perspective as well, suggesting that he's not entirely convinced by Ahithophel's plan or perhaps wants to appear fair and thorough to his other advisors.
Meaning & Significance
The verse is significant because it sets the stage for a turning point in the story:
Divine Intervention: It highlights the role of divine intervention. 2 Samuel 17:14 explicitly states that the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom. God used Absalom's pride and insecurity to bring about his downfall.
Hushai's Deception: It foreshadows Hushai's subsequent advice, which will be designed to sabotage Ahithophel's plan and buy time for David to regroup. Hushai's words in 2 Samuel 17:7-13 are crafted to appeal to Absalom's vanity and ambition, leading him to choose a slower, less certain course of action.
Absalom's Weakness: It reveals a flaw in Absalom's leadership. He is easily swayed by flattery and lacks the discernment to recognize Hushai's true intentions.
Consequences: Absalom's decision to follow Hushai's advice instead of Ahithophel's ultimately leads to David's survival and Absalom's death.
In summary, 2 Samuel 17:5 is a pivotal verse that reveals Absalom's wavering confidence, sets the stage for Hushai's deceptive advice, and ultimately contributes to the downfall of Absalom's rebellion. It underscores the importance of wise counsel and the consequences of pride and poor judgment.
This verse in 2 Samuel 17:5 is part of a crucial strategic meeting between Absalom and his counselors after he has successfully rebelled against his father, King David. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Context: Absalom has seized power in Jerusalem. He's seeking advice on how to deal with David, who has fled the city. Ahithophel, a highly respected advisor whose counsel was considered as good as divine (2 Samuel 16:23), has just given Absalom a plan to immediately pursue and kill David. Ahithophel's plan is aggressive and likely to succeed.
"Then Absalom said...": This indicates that Absalom is in control of the meeting and directing the discussion.
"...“Now call Hushai the Archite also...": Hushai is another advisor of David's who had pretended to join Absalom's rebellion as a spy (2 Samuel 15:32-37). Absalom's decision to consult Hushai is unusual because Ahithophel's advice was already sought and considered infallible. This indicates that Absalom may be feeling insecure or hesitant about Ahithophel's aggressive plan.
"...and let us hear likewise what he says.”": Absalom wants to hear Hushai's perspective as well, suggesting that he's not entirely convinced by Ahithophel's plan or perhaps wants to appear fair and thorough to his other advisors.
Meaning & Significance
The verse is significant because it sets the stage for a turning point in the story:
Divine Intervention: It highlights the role of divine intervention. 2 Samuel 17:14 explicitly states that the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom. God used Absalom's pride and insecurity to bring about his downfall.
Hushai's Deception: It foreshadows Hushai's subsequent advice, which will be designed to sabotage Ahithophel's plan and buy time for David to regroup. Hushai's words in 2 Samuel 17:7-13 are crafted to appeal to Absalom's vanity and ambition, leading him to choose a slower, less certain course of action.
Absalom's Weakness: It reveals a flaw in Absalom's leadership. He is easily swayed by flattery and lacks the discernment to recognize Hushai's true intentions.
Consequences: Absalom's decision to follow Hushai's advice instead of Ahithophel's ultimately leads to David's survival and Absalom's death.
In summary, 2 Samuel 17:5 is a pivotal verse that reveals Absalom's wavering confidence, sets the stage for Hushai's deceptive advice, and ultimately contributes to the downfall of Absalom's rebellion. It underscores the importance of wise counsel and the consequences of pride and poor judgment.