2 samuel 17:8 - Hushai said moreover, “You know your father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are fierce in their minds, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field. Your father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 17:8

What does "2 samuel 17:8" mean?


This verse from 2 Samuel 17:8 is Hushai giving Absalom advice on how to handle his pursuit of David. Let's break down what he's saying:

"Hushai said moreover, “You know your father and his men, that they are mighty men...": Hushai is emphasizing that David and his soldiers are incredibly strong and skilled warriors. He's reminding Absalom not to underestimate them.
"...and they are fierce in their minds, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field.": This is a powerful simile. A mother bear who has lost her cubs is in a state of extreme rage and protectiveness. Hushai is saying that David and his men will be driven by a similar kind of intense fury and desperation. They will fight with unmatched ferocity to protect their lives and David's kingship.
"Your father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.": Hushai points out that David is a seasoned warrior, not just a king. "Lodge with the people" means David won't be resting in a comfortable camp or predictable location. He is too smart to stay in one place and risk being captured. He will be moving around constantly, strategizing, and preparing an ambush.

In summary, the verse is a strategic assessment by Hushai, designed to instill caution in Absalom. Hushai is trying to persuade Absalom to take a slower, more cautious approach to capturing David. He is reminding Absalom of David's strengths and suggesting that underestimating him would be a fatal mistake. This advice is ultimately part of Hushai's plan to buy David time and allow him to gather his forces.