2 Samuel 17:1-29
Q.1. How did Hushai manage to thwart Ahithophel’s advice to Absalom? How did Ahithophel respond? – (2 Sam.17:1-14 & 23)
Ahithophel’s advice to attack David while he was down, was agreed to by all to be the best plan (2 Sam.17:1-4). How, then, did David’s friend, Hushai’s advice to wait until Absalom could lead the troops prevail? (2 Sam.17:5-14). The writer inserted a significant reason that we should never overlook, even in the most difficult of circumstances – For the Lord had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring calamity upon Absalom (2 Sam.17:14). We must always leave room for God to impose His will on the best laid plans of men. (c.f. Prov.16:1-4). Ahithophel was not used to being crossed and humiliated. He had lost control of everything but his own destiny, so he put his house in order and committed suicide (2 Sam.17:23).
Q.2. How do we see the hand of God in the protection of David and the spies? – (2 Sam.17:15-22)
In this day of modern technology, the plight of David could easily be overlooked. David only had one line of communication with his faithful servants in the court of the king. His spies were only one move away from death. In this case, the movement of the spies was discovered, and Absalom dispatched his henchmen to kill the sons of the priests Zadok and Abiathar (2 Sam.17:15-20). However, a loyal unnamed woman provided the spies with camouflage, so that they were able to deliver the message to David (2 Sam.17:19-22). Consequently, David was able to secure himself and plan a military response for the coming battle.
Q.3. What do we learn about the impact of and respect for David’s reign as king? – (2 Sam.17:27-29)
People loved David, as did the man and his brave wife who protected the spies. Others like Shobi from Rabbah, Machir from Lodebar, and Barzillai from Gilead, who were from loyal tribes and supporters from beyond the Jordan, provided for king David and his companions and – 28 brought beds, basins, pottery, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans, lentils, parched seeds, 29 honey, curds, sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David and for the people who were with him, to eat; for they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.” (2 Sam.17:28-29). David was an outstandingly wise and just king in all his dealings with people. This ensured that he had countless friends on whom he could rely.