Tyndale Open Study Notes2 Samuel 17

Ahithophel advised a quick surprise attack against David with a small force of 12,000 men (2 Samuel 17:1). This plan would give David no time to prepare or organize a defense.

David’s double agent, Hushai, gave different advice. He urged Absalom to wait and gather the entire army of Israel before attacking (2 Samuel 17:11). This plan promised a much larger force and would prevent David from using guerrilla tactics (small surprise attacks).

Because the Lord was working against Absalom, he rejected Ahithophel’s good advice and accepted Hushai’s poor advice (2 Samuel 17:14; compare 1 Kings 12:1–15).

as a bride … You seek: The Hebrew text suggests that everyone's loyalty depends on David's death. The Greek version shows a young wife returning to her husband after a brief argument.

The nationwide military draft from Dan to Beersheba (the northern and southern limits of Israel) aimed to create a much stronger army.

• Ahithophel’s strategy was the stronger military plan. However, Hushai had a psychological and rhetorical advantage (he understood how to persuade Absalom). He also carried out the Lord’s purpose. Because of this, Hushai gained Absalom’s favor.

• the LORD had purposed to thwart: Although Absalom made early gains, his attempt to take the throne was doomed from the beginning.

• Jonathan and Ahimaaz: See 2 Samuel 15:27, 36.

• The location of En-rogel is uncertain, but it cannot have been too far east of Jerusalem.

Bahurim was where Shimei, a supporter of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin, lived (2 Samuel 16:5; 19:16). Shimei’s cursing of David at Bahurim showed David’s decline. In contrast, the escape of Ahimaaz and Jonathan showed hope for David’s return to power.

hanged himself: Ahithophel saw that David would win and Absalom would fail. He chose to take his own life instead of facing David.

Mahanaim was once the capital city of Ish-bosheth and Abner (2 Samuel 2:8, 12, 29). It later became the base from which David ruled.

According to 1 Chronicles 2:15–16, Abigail and Zeruiah were David’s sisters. However, since Abigail is called the daughter of Nahash, they were likely David’s half-sisters. Nahash was probably their father, and his widow may have married Jesse, who then had David and his brothers.

• Shobi was probably the brother of Hanun, who had humiliated David’s messengers after the death of Nahash (2 Samuel 10; see study note on 2 Samuel 10:1–5).

• Makir was Mephibosheth’s host before David summoned him (2 Samuel 9:4–5).

• Barzillai of Gilead was probably not the same as Barzillai from Meholah (2 Samuel 21:8).