2 Samuel 17:1 kjv
Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:
2 Samuel 17:1 nkjv
Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Now let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight.
2 Samuel 17:1 niv
Ahithophel said to Absalom, "I would choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David.
2 Samuel 17:1 esv
Moreover, Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight.
2 Samuel 17:1 nlt
Now Ahithophel urged Absalom, "Let me choose 12,000 men to start out after David tonight.
2 Samuel 17 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Sam 15:31 | When David heard that Ahithophel was among the conspirators... | Ahithophel's treachery against David. |
| 2 Sam 15:34 | David said, "If you return to the city and say to Absalom... Hushai, I will defeat for you the counsel of Ahithophel." | David's prayer and plan to counter Ahithophel's advice. |
| 2 Sam 16:20 | Absalom said to Ahithophel, "Give your counsel..." | Ahithophel's initial role as primary advisor to Absalom. |
| 2 Sam 16:23 | Now the counsel of Ahithophel in those days was... if one inquired of God. | Ahithophel's counsel was highly regarded, like an oracle from God. |
| 2 Sam 17:14 | And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, "The counsel of Hushai... is better than the counsel of Ahithophel." | Hushai's counsel being preferred, fulfilling David's prayer. |
| 2 Sam 17:23 | When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed... he hanged himself. | Ahithophel's pride and despair when his counsel was rejected. |
| Prov 16:9 | The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. | God's sovereignty over human plans, including Ahithophel's. |
| Prov 19:21 | Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. | Reiteration of divine override of human intentions. |
| Ps 33:10-11 | The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing... The counsel of the LORD stands forever. | God frustrates human schemes but His purpose endures. |
| Job 5:12 | He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success. | God thwarting the cunning plans of His adversaries. |
| Isa 14:27 | For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? | Emphasizes God's irresistible will in all matters. |
| Lam 3:37 | Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it? | God's ultimate authority over all events. |
| Zech 4:6 | Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD. | Illustrates how outcomes depend on God's intervention, not just human force. |
| 1 Cor 1:20 | Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? | Divine reversal of what appears wise to humans. |
| Ps 41:9 | Even my close friend, whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me. | Prophetic echo of Ahithophel's betrayal of David. |
| Matt 26:47-49 | While he was still speaking, Judas came... he went up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him. | Betrayal by a trusted confidant, reminiscent of Ahithophel. |
| Ps 7:5 | If I have not rescued him who without cause was my enemy, then let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it... | Prayer for protection against those who unjustly pursue. |
| 2 Sam 18:6-8 | So the people went out into the field against Israel... and Absalom's servants were struck down. | The later defeat of Absalom's forces, without Ahithophel's strategy. |
| Gen 14:15 | And he divided his forces against them by night... and pursued them. | Example of a successful night pursuit and decisive attack in the Bible. |
| Exod 14:5-9 | Pharaoh pursued the people of Israel as they were leaving boldly. | Example of a powerful pursuit (though divinely thwarted). |
| Deut 28:7 | The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before you. | God’s promise of protection for the righteous king. |
| Ps 129:2 | "Many a time they have oppressed me from my youth—yet they have not prevailed against me." | God's sustained preservation of His chosen. |
| Judg 7:3 | Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home...’ | The selection of men for a specific military purpose, highlighting efficiency over numbers. |
2 Samuel 17 verses
2 Samuel 17 1 Meaning
2 Samuel 17:1 presents Ahithophel's crucial strategic counsel to Absalom: an immediate, swift, and decisive military strike against David. Ahithophel advises hand-picking twelve thousand men to pursue David that very night, aiming to eliminate him quickly before he can recover, regroup, or find refuge. This counsel reveals Ahithophel's cunning, his understanding of military tactics, and his ruthless determination to solidify Absalom's position by ending David's life.
2 Samuel 17 1 Context
2 Samuel chapter 17 immediately follows Absalom's anointing in Hebron (15:10), David's flight from Jerusalem, and Ahithophel's critical counsel regarding David's concubines (16:20-23), which fully alienated David from his people and solidified Absalom's position as king. With the city and power secured, the focus shifts to eliminating David himself. Ahithophel, whose counsel was considered highly perceptive (16:23), proposes the logical next step in the rebellion: an immediate and decisive strike. His strategy aims to capitalize on David's disarray and fatigue from fleeing, preventing him from gathering support or recovering. The counsel is presented before Absalom and the elders of Israel, setting the stage for the pivotal conflict between Ahithophel's immediate, shrewd plan and Hushai's divinely inspired counter-counsel of delay (2 Sam 17:7-13).
2 Samuel 17 1 Word analysis
- Moreover (וְעוֹד, ve'od): A conjunctive particle meaning "and further," "still," or "again." It signifies an addition to previous discussion, in this case, a new, critical piece of counsel following Ahithophel's advice concerning the concubines. It sets the stage for the next, vital strategic step.
- Ahithophel (אֲחִיתֹפֶל, Achitophel): "My brother is folly" or "brother of ruin." Paradoxically, he was known for his wisdom (2 Sam 16:23). His name later becomes symbolic of betrayal. His role as David's counselor and then Absalom's implies profound influence.
- said to Absalom: Indicates Absalom is the one receiving and evaluating the counsel. Ahithophel addresses the de facto king directly, showcasing his prominence.
- "Let me choose" (אֶבְחֲרָה־לִּי, evchara-li): This is a strong verb, "I will choose for myself" (qatal, cohortative form). Ahithophel's personal initiative and leadership are evident. He's not just advising; he's volunteering to execute the plan, signifying confidence and commitment.
- "twelve thousand men": A specific, relatively small, yet potent and mobile number. It suggests a precision operation rather than a large-scale engagement. The number could also carry symbolic weight (twelve tribes), implying an army representing unified Israel, though its primary function here is strategic for speed and discretion in a night raid.
- "I will arise" (וְאָקוּמָה, ve'aqumah): A common biblical expression denoting readiness for action, commitment, and urgency. Ahithophel’s intention to lead the charge himself underscores the criticality of the mission.
- "and pursue David" (וְאֶרְדְּפָה אֶת־דָּוִד, ve'erdephah et-Davîd): "Pursue" (רָדַף, radaph) signifies to chase after, hunt, or drive away. This active verb highlights the aggressive nature of the plan – not merely an attack, but a relentless chase to eliminate David before he can escape or rally support.
- "tonight" (הַלַּיְלָה, halailah): The most critical temporal detail. A night attack would offer the element of surprise, catching David and his loyalists off guard, weary, and disorganized. It underscores Ahithophel’s strategic genius and ruthlessness, seeking to exploit David's immediate vulnerability.
Words-group analysis:
- "Let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight": This entire phrase outlines a swift, surgical strike designed for maximum impact with minimal opportunity for David's defense or escape. Ahithophel's plan prioritizes speed, surprise, and decisive action to end the rebellion immediately by eliminating David, rather than a prolonged conflict. The selection of a specific, capable force ("twelve thousand") implies efficiency and focus on a target, rather than an overwhelming force for open battle. The urgency of "tonight" highlights his perception of the critical window of opportunity before David can regroup.
2 Samuel 17 1 Bonus section
Ahithophel’s counsel in this verse embodies the pinnacle of human strategic wisdom employed against God's chosen. His intelligence and strategic depth were so renowned that his advice was considered equivalent to "inquiring of the word of God" (2 Sam 16:23). This very verse, outlining his optimal military strategy, sets up the ultimate test of whether human sagacity, however great, can thwart divine purpose. The specific choice of "twelve thousand men" suggests a force not for conquering vast territories but for a targeted, specific objective: David's demise. The promptness ("tonight") shows Ahithophel's understanding of the importance of timing and preventing any delay that could allow for spiritual or logistical recovery by David. This urgency reveals the adversary's characteristic desire for swift, destructive action, as seen throughout scripture when forces oppose God's plans.
2 Samuel 17 1 Commentary
2 Samuel 17:1 introduces Ahithophel's brilliant yet sinister counsel, demonstrating his deep understanding of warfare and the psychological state of David's fleeing entourage. His strategy was perfectly timed, aiming to exploit David's weakest moment by pursuing him immediately that very night. The chosen force of "twelve thousand men" was sufficient for a swift, decisive strike to eliminate David personally, avoiding a drawn-out war which might allow David to regain strength or divine favor. Ahithophel knew that cutting off the head of the rebellion (David) would cause the rest to scatter. Humanly speaking, this counsel was strategically flawless, exhibiting keen tactical foresight. However, this perfectly calculated human wisdom was ultimately rendered futile by God's providential intervention, who determined that His plan for David would prevail.