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2 Samuel 17:1 Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David.
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id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm" title="2 Samuel 16:23">◄</a> 2 Samuel 17:1 <a href="/2_samuel/17-2.htm" title="2 Samuel 17:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Ahithophel said to Absalom, “I would choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Now Ahithophel urged Absalom, “Let me choose 12,000 men to start out after David tonight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Moreover, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Now let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Please let me choose twelve thousand men and let me set out and pursue David tonight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Please let me choose 12,000 men that I may arise and pursue David tonight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Please let me choose 12,000 men that I may arise and pursue David tonight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Please let me choose 12,000 men that I may arise and pursue David tonight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Please let me choose 12,000 men, and I will set out and pursue David tonight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will set out in pursuit of David tonight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose 12,000 men, and I will set out in pursuit of David tonight. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Ahithophel said to Absalom: Let me choose 12,000 men and attack David tonight, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me choose 12,000 men and leave tonight to go after David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Not long after that, Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me choose twelve thousand men, and tonight I will set out after David. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Give me 12,000 men! I'll leave tonight and pursue David," Ahithophel advised Absalom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me pick out twelve thousand men. Then I will go and pursue David this very night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me now choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David tonight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me now choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David tonight. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Please let me choose twelve thousand men, and I arise and pursue after David tonight,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, 'Let me choose, I pray thee, twelve thousand men, and I arise and pursue after David to-night,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Ahithophel will say to Absalom, I will now choose twelve thousand men, and I will rise and pursue after David this night:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Achitophel said to Absalom: I will choose me twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then Ahithophel said to Absalom: “I will choose for myself twelve thousand men, and rising up, I will pursue David this night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Ahithophel went on to say to Absalom: “Let me choose twelve thousand men and be off in pursuit of David tonight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will set out and pursue David tonight.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />MOREOVER Ahithophel said to Absalom, Let me now choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David this night;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Akhithuphel said to Abishlum: “I shall choose twelve thousand warriors and I shall arise, I shall chase after David in the night<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom: 'Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Achitophel said to Abessalom, Let me now choose out for myself twelve thousand men, and I will arise and follow after David this night:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/17-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=4739" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Hushai Counters Ahithophel's Advice</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/302.htm" title="302: ’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el (N-proper-ms) -- An adviser of David. From 'ach and taphel; brother of folly; Achithophel, an Israelite.">Furthermore, Ahithophel</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/53.htm" title="53: ’aḇ·šā·lōm (N-proper-ms) -- Or babshalowm; from 'ab and shalowm; father of peace; Abshalom, a son of David; also a later Israelite.">Absalom,</a> <a href="/hebrew/977.htm" title="977: ’eḇ·ḥă·rāh (V-Qal-Imperf.Cohort-1cs) -- To choose. A primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. select.">“Let me choose</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·nêm- (Number-md) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">twelve</a> <a href="/hebrew/6240.htm" title="6240: ‘ā·śār (Number-ms) -- Ten. For eser; ten, i.e. -teen; also -teenth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’e·lep̄ (Number-ms) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">thousand</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">men</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: wə·’ā·qū·māh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cs) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">and set out</a> <a href="/hebrew/3915.htm" title="3915: hal·lā·yə·lāh (Art:: N-ms) -- Night. Or leyl; also laylah; from the same as luwl; properly, a twist, i.e. Night; figuratively, adversity.">tonight</a> <a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: wə·’er·də·p̄āh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cs) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">in pursuit of</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê- (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: ḏā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">2 Samuel 15:31</a></span><br />Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">2 Samuel 16:23</a></span><br />Now in those days the advice of Ahithophel was like the consultation of the word of God. Such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-12.htm">2 Samuel 15:12</a></span><br />While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-34.htm">2 Samuel 15:34</a></span><br />But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/16-20.htm">2 Samuel 16:20-21</a></span><br />Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me counsel. What should we do?” / Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-9.htm">1 Kings 2:9</a></span><br />Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-7.htm">1 Kings 1:7</a></span><br />So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-22.htm">1 Kings 2:22</a></span><br />King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Since he is my older brother, you might as well request the kingdom for him and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab son of Zeruiah!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/27-33.htm">1 Chronicles 27:33</a></span><br />Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/41-9.htm">Psalm 41:9</a></span><br />Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/55-12.htm">Psalm 55:12-14</a></span><br />For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. / But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-14.htm">Matthew 26:14-16</a></span><br />Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests / and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. / So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-47.htm">Matthew 26:47-50</a></span><br />While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-10.htm">Mark 14:10-11</a></span><br />Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted to hear this, and they promised to give him money. So Judas began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-43.htm">Mark 14:43-45</a></span><br />While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:</p><p class="hdg">I will arise</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-16.htm">Proverbs 1:16</a></b></br> For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-16.htm">Proverbs 4:16</a></b></br> For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause <i>some</i> to fall.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/59-7.htm">Isaiah 59:7,8</a></b></br> Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts <i>are</i> thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction <i>are</i> in their paths… </p><p class="hdg">this night</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/3-3.htm">Psalm 3:3-5</a></b></br> But thou, O LORD, <i>art</i> a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/4-8.htm">Psalm 4:8</a></b></br> I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/109-2.htm">Psalm 109:2-4</a></b></br> For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">Ahithophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">Ahith'ophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-14.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-18.htm">Choose</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-19.htm">Furthermore</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-4.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-16.htm">Night</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-9.htm">Please</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-24.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-18.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-11.htm">Tonight</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-6.htm">Twelve</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/17-4.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-4.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-6.htm">Ahithophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-6.htm">Ahith'ophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-21.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-6.htm">Choose</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-16.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-25.htm">Furthermore</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-8.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-16.htm">Night</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm">Please</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-6.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-3.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-16.htm">Tonight</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-7.htm">Twelve</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">Ahithophel's counsel is overthrown by Hushai's</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/17-15.htm">Secret intelligence is sent unto David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/17-23.htm">Ahithophel hangs himself</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/17-25.htm">Amasa is made captain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/17-27.htm">David at Mahanaim is furnished with provisions</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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His name in Hebrew, "אֲחִיתֹפֶל" (Achitophel), means "brother of folly," which is ironic given his reputation for wisdom. However, his counsel here is against David, God's anointed king, showing that even the wisest human counsel can be flawed when it opposes God's will. Historically, Ahithophel's betrayal of David, his former ally, reflects the deep political and personal tensions within the kingdom. Absalom, David's son, is in rebellion, and Ahithophel's support signifies a critical shift in the power dynamics of Israel.<p><b>Let me choose twelve thousand men</b><br />The number "twelve thousand" is significant, symbolizing a large, complete force, as the number twelve often represents completeness in the Bible, such as the twelve tribes of Israel. Ahithophel's proposal to select this specific number of men indicates a strategic and calculated military plan, aiming to overwhelm David with sheer numbers. This reflects the urgency and seriousness of Absalom's rebellion, as well as Ahithophel's confidence in his strategy. The choice of a large force also underscores the gravity of the threat against David, highlighting the intense opposition he faced.<p><b>and set out tonight</b><br />The urgency in Ahithophel's plan is evident in his desire to act immediately, "tonight." This reflects a common military strategy of surprise and speed, aiming to catch David off guard. The Hebrew word for "tonight" (לַיְלָה, laylah) emphasizes the immediacy and potential for secrecy under the cover of darkness. This urgency also reveals Ahithophel's understanding of the precariousness of Absalom's position; a swift victory was necessary to solidify his claim to the throne before David could regroup and counterattack.<p><b>in pursuit of David</b><br />David, the anointed king of Israel, is now a fugitive, pursued by his own son. The Hebrew root for "pursuit" (רָדַף, radaph) conveys a relentless chase, often used in contexts of hunting or warfare. This pursuit is not just a physical chase but also a spiritual and emotional one, as David faces betrayal and the threat of death from within his own family. Historically, this moment is a profound test of David's faith and leadership, as he must rely on God's protection and guidance in the face of overwhelming odds. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the trials faced by God's chosen leaders and the ultimate triumph of divine providence over human schemes.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>XVII.</span><p>(1) <span class= "bld">Pursue after David this night.</span>--Ahithophel saw clearly that Absalom's success depended on striking an immediate blow. He felt confident, and perhaps with reason, that David in his distress and weariness was in no condition to resist a sudden onset. That he was wise in his counsel is made plain by the opposition of Hushai and the anxiety <span class= "ital">to </span>send tidings to David with all speed. "This night" is generally taken to mean the night of the day on which David left Jerusalem; but from <a href="/2_samuel/17-16.htm" title="Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him.">2Samuel 17:16</a> and <a href="/2_samuel/15-28.htm" title="See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.">2Samuel 15:28</a> it appears that he was already encamped by the fords of the Jordan, a greater distance than he could have accomplished in one day's march.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/17-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Furthermore, Ahithophel</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲחִיתֹ֖פֶל</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_302.htm">Strong's 302: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ahithophel -- an adviser of David</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֥אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Absalom,</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְשָׁלֹ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·šā·lōm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_53.htm">Strong's 53: </a> </span><span class="str2">Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Let me choose</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶבְחֲרָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(’eḇ·ḥă·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_977.htm">Strong's 977: </a> </span><span class="str2">To try, select</span><br /><br /><span class="word">twelve</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁנֵים־</span> <span class="translit">(šə·nêm-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - md<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> </span><span class="str2">Two (a cardinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">thousand</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶ֙לֶף֙</span> <span class="translit">(’e·lep̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_505.htm">Strong's 505: </a> </span><span class="str2">A thousand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">men</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֔ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and set out</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאָק֛וּמָה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ā·qū·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">tonight</span><br /><span class="heb">הַלָּֽיְלָה׃</span> <span class="translit">(hal·lā·yə·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3915.htm">Strong's 3915: </a> </span><span class="str2">A twist, night, adversity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in pursuit of</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֶרְדְּפָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’er·də·p̄āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pursue, chase, persecute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">David.</span><br /><span class="heb">דָוִ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(ḏā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 17:1 Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom Let me (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 16:23"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 16:23" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/17-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 17:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 17:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>