2 Samuel 17 5

2 Samuel 17:5 kjv

Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.

2 Samuel 17:5 nkjv

Then Absalom said, "Now call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear what he says too."

2 Samuel 17:5 niv

But Absalom said, "Summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he has to say as well."

2 Samuel 17:5 esv

Then Absalom said, "Call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear what he has to say."

2 Samuel 17:5 nlt

But then Absalom said, "Bring in Hushai the Arkite. Let's see what he thinks about this."

2 Samuel 17 verses

2 Samuel 17 5 Meaning

This verse records Absalom's decision to seek further counsel after hearing Ahithophel's strategic advice for the rebellion. He requests Hushai the Archite, David's loyal spy, to be summoned so that his opinion may also be heard. This seemingly reasonable decision by Absalom is providentially a pivotal moment, as it opens the door for God to nullify Ahithophel's sound counsel through Hushai's deceptive, yet God-inspired, advice, ultimately leading to Absalom's downfall.

2 Samuel 17 5 Context

2 Samuel chapter 17 is a pivotal turning point in Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. The previous chapter (2 Sam 16) established Absalom's rapid consolidation of power and Ahithophel's trusted position as his chief counselor, whose advice was "as if one inquired of the oracle of God" (2 Sam 16:23). David, having fled Jerusalem, prayed that the LORD would turn Ahithophel's counsel into foolishness (2 Sam 15:31) and strategically positioned Hushai as a double agent in Absalom's camp to counteract Ahithophel (2 Sam 15:32-34). This specific verse, 2 Samuel 17:5, immediately follows Ahithophel's urgent and militarily sound advice to pursue David immediately (2 Sam 17:1-4). Absalom's decision here to call Hushai for a second opinion is a critical, and divinely orchestrated, misstep, which provides Hushai the opportunity to execute David's plan and thwart Ahithophel's counsel, thereby leading to Absalom's ultimate defeat.

2 Samuel 17 5 Word analysis

• Then (וַיֹּאמֶר, vayo'mer): Connects the narrative to the immediate preceding events, indicating a direct continuation of the discussion after Ahithophel's counsel. The Hebrew 'waw consecutive' emphasizes the sequential action.
• Absalom (אַבְשָׁלֹום, Avshalom): "Father of peace" or "my father is peace." Ironically, his actions here lead to war and his own violent demise. His name highlights the tragedy of his rebellion against his own father. His personal authority is underscored by his initiative in seeking additional counsel.
• said: Simple declarative, indicating speech.
• Now (וַאֲמֶן, va'omen - conjunction + 'please/I pray'): The Hebrew suggests a deliberative, somewhat casual, or perhaps a seeking of full agreement. It softens the command, implying a desire for completeness or an assurance before action.
• call (קְרָא, qera): An imperative command, signifying Absalom's authority and his decision to bring someone into the discussion.
• Hushai (חוּשַׁי, Ḥushay): Meaning "hasting" or "swift." A seemingly loyal servant now in Absalom's camp, but secretly serving David (2 Sam 15:32-37). His name perhaps foreshadows the speed with which his advice would eventually lead to the quick resolution of the conflict.
• the Archite (הָאַרְכִּי, hā'arkī): Designates Hushai's tribal affiliation, likely from a place called Erech, near Bethel (Josh 16:2). This detail distinguishes him and adds specific identity to the character, signaling his established presence and perhaps wisdom in Israelite society. He was likely a well-respected figure among David's counselors.
• also (גַּם, gam): Indicates that Hushai's counsel is to be added in addition to Ahithophel's. This is Absalom's crucial error, as Ahithophel's advice was usually definitive and considered infallible (2 Sam 16:23). By seeking another opinion, Absalom demonstrates a lack of complete conviction in Ahithophel or a desire for validation, opening the door for divine intervention.
• and let us hear (וְנִשְׁמָעָה, v'nishmaha - 'and let us listen/pay attention'): Collective invitation by Absalom for all present, including himself, to give attention to Hushai's counsel. It conveys a desire for thorough deliberation.
• what (מַה, mah): An interrogative, seeking content.
• he says (וּבְפִיו, uv’phiyv - lit. 'and from his mouth' or 'what is in his mouth'): Focuses on the spoken word, the actual advice that will come forth from Hushai. The Hebrew stresses the personal articulation of the counsel.

Words-group analysis

• Then Absalom said, "Now call Hushai the Archite also": This phrase marks a significant deviation from the norm where Ahithophel's counsel was usually sufficient. Absalom's request for an additional voice, especially given Ahithophel's track record, signals either arrogance, a genuine desire for thoroughness, or, more importantly, a divinely influenced decision to create a window of opportunity for Hushai to intervene.
• "and let us hear what he says": This implies a deliberative process, contrasting with the immediate implementation of Ahithophel's advice, which was the norm. Absalom intends to weigh both counsels, highlighting his perceived leadership and control, unaware that God has already planned for Ahithophel's counsel to be defeated.

2 Samuel 17 5 Bonus section

• Absalom's act of seeking a second opinion, while appearing diligent, paradoxically exposes a subtle weakness in his trust of Ahithophel or perhaps an overconfidence in his own judgment to discern between good counsels. This overconfidence makes him vulnerable to Hushai's manipulative, God-inspired counter-advice.
• The scene highlights the unseen spiritual battle underlying the physical rebellion. David’s fervent prayer is being answered through the agency of a loyal servant and Absalom's unwitting participation, showcasing God's ability to turn the counsel of the ungodly into foolishness.
• The phrase "Now call Hushai the Archite also" subtly emphasizes Absalom's pride. He might have desired to show that he, not Ahithophel, was the ultimate decision-maker, by soliciting multiple opinions and making the final choice himself, rather than solely relying on Ahithophel's immediate, superior counsel.

2 Samuel 17 5 Commentary

2 Samuel 17:5 captures a pivotal moment demonstrating God's sovereign hand in human affairs. Ahithophel, whose counsel was akin to divine oracle (2 Sam 16:23), gave militarily brilliant advice for Absalom to swiftly pursue David and end the rebellion. Had Absalom acted on it, David's position would have been precarious. However, Absalom, for reasons possibly ranging from seeking a broader consensus, vanity, or more significantly, divine influence, delays by calling Hushai. This delay and the subsequent weighing of counsel are the direct answers to David's desperate prayer (2 Sam 15:31) and the purpose of Hushai's infiltration (2 Sam 15:34). God works not always through miracles, but often through the seemingly ordinary choices of men, turning human wisdom into folly for His own purpose (1 Cor 1:20). Absalom's simple request for a second opinion inadvertently seals his doom by providing the perfect platform for God to execute His plan. It shows that human plans, no matter how wise or well-intentioned (even if against God's will), are ultimately subject to the Lord's supreme authority (Prov 19:21). This scenario is a testament to the fact that when God wills, He can orchestrate events by subtle means, leading rebellious hearts to make decisions that inadvertently serve His divine plan.