2 Samuel 17 6

2 Samuel 17:6 kjv

And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou.

2 Samuel 17:6 nkjv

And when Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him, saying, "Ahithophel has spoken in this manner. Shall we do as he says? If not, speak up."

2 Samuel 17:6 niv

When Hushai came to him, Absalom said, "Ahithophel has given this advice. Should we do what he says? If not, give us your opinion."

2 Samuel 17:6 esv

And when Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom said to him, "Thus has Ahithophel spoken; shall we do as he says? If not, you speak."

2 Samuel 17:6 nlt

When Hushai arrived, Absalom told him what Ahithophel had said. Then he asked, "What is your opinion? Should we follow Ahithophel's advice? If not, what do you suggest?"

2 Samuel 17 verses

2 Samuel 17 6 Meaning

This verse marks a critical juncture in Absalom's rebellion against King David. It depicts Absalom, now holding court in Jerusalem, consulting Hushai, David's loyal friend who infiltrated Absalom's inner circle. Absalom recounts Ahithophel's specific advice (alluded to as "such and such," namely to pursue David immediately) and explicitly asks Hushai whether they should act on it or offer alternative counsel. This direct inquiry by Absalom provides Hushai with the divinely orchestrated opportunity to offer a counter-strategy, ultimately leading to Ahithophel's downfall and the defeat of Absalom's rebellion.

2 Samuel 17 6 Context

Chapter 17 continues the unfolding narrative of Absalom's rebellion. Following Absalom's usurpation of the throne in Jerusalem, Ahithophel, his key strategist and David's former advisor, counsels an immediate and decisive strike against David while he is weak and on the run. This brilliant military strategy (2 Sam 17:1-3) was highly favored by Absalom and his elders. However, David had prayed for Ahithophel's counsel to be made foolish and strategically positioned Hushai the Archite as a loyal agent within Absalom's court to counter Ahithophel (2 Sam 15:31-37). Verse 6 is the moment where God's hand, through David's prayer and Hushai's presence, begins to overtly frustrate Ahithophel's plan. Absalom's decision to consult Hushai, despite the unanimity already achieved regarding Ahithophel's advice, sets the stage for the dramatic reversal of fortunes, demonstrating God's sovereign control over the seemingly independent choices of men and the trajectory of historical events.

2 Samuel 17 6 Word analysis

• So when Hushai came to Absalom,

  • Hushai (חוּשַׁי - Hushay): Means "hasty" or "speedy," perhaps reflecting his swift and strategic actions. He is introduced as "the Archite, David's friend" (2 Sam 15:32). His presence in Absalom's camp is a direct fulfillment of David's desperate prayer (2 Sam 15:31) and an act of calculated subterfuge (2 Sam 15:34-37). This emphasizes the providential orchestration of events, as Hushai arrives at a crucial moment.
  • came to Absalom: Indicates Hushai's successful infiltration and acceptance into Absalom's circle, likely facilitated by his feigned allegiance. Absalom's welcoming suggests he was expecting Hushai's counsel, or at least prepared to hear it due to Hushai's reputation.

• Absalom said to him,

  • Absalom (אַבְשָׁלוֹם - ʾAvshalom): "Father of Peace." An ironic name given his role in instigating a violent rebellion against his own father. His inquiry indicates his position of authority as the self-proclaimed king, as well as his perceived need to appear consultative.

• ‘Ahithophel has advised us to do such and such.

  • Ahithophel (אֲחִיתֹפֶל - ʾAkhithophel): "My brother is folly/a fool," yet his counsel was legendary for its sagacity, considered "as if one consulted the word of God" (2 Sam 16:23). This phrase ironically foreshadows the "foolishness" God will turn his counsel into.
  • advised us (יָעַץ - yaʿats): From the verb "to counsel, advise, devise, plan." Highlights the specific act of giving strategic guidance. The "us" implies collective counsel and decision-making by Absalom and his leaders, acknowledging Ahithophel's central role.
  • to do such and such: This ellipsis, not stating Ahithophel's precise advice here (which was to immediately pursue David with 12,000 men), serves multiple purposes. It may indicate Absalom assuming Hushai was privy to the general counsel, or it sets the stage for Hushai to re-state and then critique the proposal directly, solidifying the conversation's foundation before a counter-proposal. It also heightens narrative suspense, focusing on the upcoming alternative advice rather than just repeating Ahithophel's.

• Shall we carry out his advice?

  • Shall we carry out (נַעֲשֶׂה - naʿaseh): From the verb "to do, make, accomplish." This direct question reveals Absalom's intent to implement the counsel, yet his inquiry to Hushai indicates he wasn't fully settled or desired an affirmation from another esteemed advisor. It provides the precise opening Hushai needs to counter. It might reflect Absalom's desire to appear consultative, or a subtle hesitation about Ahithophel's unusually aggressive and immediate plan, even if seemingly brilliant.

• If not, speak up.’

  • If not: Clearly invites an alternative, contrasting viewpoint. This openness by Absalom is crucial and directly attributable to divine influence in response to David's prayer.
  • speak up (דַּבֵּר - dabber): From the verb "to speak, declare, command." This imperative emphasizes Absalom's demand for clear, outspoken counsel. It signifies his willingness, at this point, to consider an opposing viewpoint. It grants Hushai the freedom and a direct invitation to present his counter-advice, which will become strategically devastating for Absalom.

2 Samuel 17 6 Bonus section

The seemingly subtle opening by Absalom in this verse, asking Hushai's opinion, directly contrasts with the prior description of Ahithophel's counsel being received "as if one consulted the word of God" (2 Sam 16:23). This implies that while Absalom and his leaders initially found Ahithophel's advice excellent, the specific "such and such" of attacking David that very night might have been so audacious or risky that it allowed for a sliver of doubt, or at least a window for confirmation from another trusted voice. This provides Hushai with the opportunity he was planted for. The immediate, decisive nature of Ahithophel’s counsel might have instilled a sense of unease even in a determined Absalom, giving divine providence the psychological leverage to make him pause and invite the counter-narrative from Hushai. This human dynamic serves as the very means through which God thwarts what would have otherwise been a disastrous plan for David.

2 Samuel 17 6 Commentary

2 Samuel 17:6 is the turning point orchestrated by God in Absalom's rebellion. It reveals Absalom, for all his ambition and a reputation for cunning, acting as a pawn in a larger divine narrative. His choice to consult Hushai, after seemingly agreeing to Ahithophel's seemingly irrefutable counsel (2 Sam 17:4), is the exact moment where David's prayer (2 Sam 15:31) begins to be fulfilled. Ahithophel's advice, to immediately pursue and capture David, was militarily sound and psychologically crushing; had it been implemented, David and his small contingent would have likely been destroyed.

However, God moved in Absalom's heart, subtly compelling him to seek a second opinion. Absalom’s question to Hushai, "Shall we carry out his advice? If not, speak up," presents the loyal agent with the perfect platform. It reflects Absalom's confidence, but also perhaps his vanity, wanting to showcase his leadership by considering diverse opinions, or a subconscious apprehension about the immediacy of Ahithophel’s plan. Hushai's skill lay not just in devising a counter-strategy, but in delivering it in a way that appealed to Absalom's ego and flawed judgment, playing on his desire for grandeur and appearing like a formidable king. The stage is perfectly set for divine intervention to rescue David through seemingly natural means, ultimately leading to Ahithophel's suicide and Absalom's defeat. This verse exemplifies God's sovereignty over the counsel of the wise and the plans of men.