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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 15:34 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.'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/15-34.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/10_2Sa_15_34.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 15:34 - David Weeps at the Mount of Olives" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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; 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I was your father&#8217s servant in the past, but now I will be your servant,&#8217 then you can help me by frustrating Ahithophel&#8217s advice. <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/15.htm">New Living Translation</a> Return to Jerusalem and tell Absalom, ‘I will now be your adviser, O king, just as I was your father’s adviser in the past.’ Then you can frustrate and counter Ahithophel’s advice. <a href="/esv/2_samuel/15.htm">English Standard Version</a> But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father’s servant in time past, so now I will be your servant,’ then you will defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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.’ <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/15.htm">King James Bible</a> But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/15.htm">New King James Version</a> But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I was your father’s servant previously, so I will now also be your servant,’ then you may defeat the counsel of Ahithophel for me. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; even as I was your father’s servant in time past, so now I will also be your servant,’ then you can foil the advice of Ahithophel for me. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/15.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, &#8216I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father&#8217s servant in time past, so I will now be your servant,&#8217 then you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me. <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father’s servant in time past, so I will now be your servant,’ then you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me. <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father’s servant in time past, so I will now be your servant,’ then you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me. <a href="/amp/2_samuel/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father’s servant in the past, so I will be your servant now;’ then you can thwart (make useless) the advice of Ahithophel for me. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> but if you return to the city and tell Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, Your Majesty! Previously, I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant,’ then you can counteract Ahithophel’s counsel for me. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> but if you return to the city and tell Absalom, &#8216I will be your servant, my king! Previously, I was your father&#8217s servant, but now I will be your servant,&#8217 then you can counteract Ahithophel&#8217s counsel for me. <a href="/asv/2_samuel/15.htm">American Standard Version</a> but if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant in time past, so will I now be thy servant; then wilt thou defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Go back into the city and tell Absalom, "Your Majesty, I am your servant. I will serve you now, just as I served your father in the past." Hushai, if you do that, you can help me ruin Ahithophel's plans. <a href="/erv/2_samuel/15.htm">English Revised Version</a> but if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant in time past, so will I now be thy servant: then shalt thou defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But if you go back to the city and say to Absalom, 'Your Majesty, I'll be your servant. I was your father's servant in the past, but now I'll be your servant,' then you'll [help me by] undoing Ahithophel's advice. <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/15.htm">Good News Translation</a> but you can help me by returning to the city and telling Absalom that you will now serve him as faithfully as you served his father. And do all you can to oppose any advice that Ahithophel gives. <a href="/isv/2_samuel/15.htm">International Standard Version</a> So go back to the city and tell Absalom, 'I'll be your servant, your majesty! Just as I served your father in the past, I can be your servant now.' That way you can manipulate Ahithophel's advice to my benefit. <a href="/msb/2_samuel/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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.? <a href="/net/2_samuel/15.htm">NET Bible</a> But you will be able to counter the advice of Ahithophel if you go back to the city and say to Absalom, 'I will be your servant, O king! Previously I was your father's servant, and now I will be your servant.' <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> but if you return to the city, and tell Absalom, 'Your brothers have left, O king, after your father left, and now I am your servant, O king. Allow me to live. As I have been your father?s servant in the past, so now I am be your servant,' then you will defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But if thou shalt return to the city, and say to Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. <a href="/web/2_samuel/15.htm">World English Bible</a> but if you return to the city, and tell Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king. As I have been your father’s servant in time past, so I will now be your servant; then will you defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel.’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and if you return to the city and have said to Absalom, I am your servant, O king; I [am] also servant of your father until now, and presently, I [am] also your servant; then you have made void the counsel of Ahithophel for me; <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and if to the city thou dost turn back, and hast said to Absalom, Thy servant I am, O king; servant of thy father I am also hitherto, and now, I am also thy servant; then thou hast made void for me the counsel of Ahithophel; <a href="/slt/2_samuel/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And if to the city, thou shalt turn back and say to Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; thy father's servant from then, and now thy servant: and thou didst frustrate for me the counsel of Ahithophel.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But if thou return into the city, and wilt say to Absalom: I am thy servant, O king: as I have been thy father's servant, so I will be thy servant: thou shalt defeat the counsel of Achitophel. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But if you return to the city, and you say to Absalom, ‘I am your servant, O king; just as I have been the servant of your father, so too will I be your servant,’ you will destroy the counsel of Ahithophel <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/15.htm">New American Bible</a> but if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘Let me be your servant, O king; I was formerly your father’s servant, but now I will be yours,’ you will thwart for me the counsel of Ahithophel. <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father’s servant in time past, so now I will be your servant,’ then you will defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But if you return to the city, say to Absalom, I am your servant, O king, as I was your father's servant hitherto. And now, I the king, want you to go and defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> But return to the city and go to Abishlum and say to Abishlum: ‘I am your Servant, oh King, and the Servant of your father from former time!’ And now, I the King, I beg of you, go destroy the counsel of Akhithuphel<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> but if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom: I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant in time past, so will I now be thy servant; then wilt thou defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. <a href="/sep/2_samuel/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> but if thou shall return to the city, and shalt say to Abessalom, Thy brethren are passed over, and the king thy father is passed over after me: and now I am thy servant, O king, suffer me to live: at one time even of late I was the servant of thy father, and now I am thy humble servant - so shalt thou disconcert for me, the counsel of Achitophel. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/15-34.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=4416" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/15.htm">David Weeps at the Mount of Olives</a> …33David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me. 34<a href="/hebrew/6565.htm" title="6565: wə·hê·p̄ar·tāh (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To break up, to violate, frustrate. A primitive root; to break up">But you can thwart</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6098.htm" title="6098: ‘ă·ṣaṯ (N-fsc) -- Counsel, advice. From ya'ats; advice; by implication, plan; also prudence.">the counsel</a> <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.">of Ahithophel</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">for me</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: tā·šūḇ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">you return</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">to the city</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wə·’ā·mar·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and say</a> <a href="/hebrew/53.htm" title="53: lə·’aḇ·šā·lō·wm (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Or babshalowm; from 'ab and shalowm; father of peace; Abshalom, a son of David; also a later Israelite.">to Absalom:</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">‘I</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: ’eh·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">will be</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·də·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">your servant,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">my king;</a> <a href="/hebrew/227.htm" title="227: mê·’āz (Prep-m:: Adv) -- At that time. A demonstrative adverb; at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore.">in the past</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: wa·’ă·nî (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">was your father’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘e·ḇeḏ (N-msc) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">servant,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: wə·‘at·tāh (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">but now</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: wa·’ă·nî (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·de·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">will be your servant.’</a> 35Will not Zadok and Abiathar the priests be there with you? Report to them everything you hear from the king’s palace.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_kings/2-7.htm">1 Kings 2:7</a> But show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, because they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom. <a href="/1_kings/2-35.htm">1 Kings 2:35</a> And the king appointed Benaiah son of Jehoiada in Joab’s place over the army, and he appointed Zadok the priest in Abiathar’s place. <a href="/1_chronicles/27-33.htm">1 Chronicles 27:33</a> Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend. <a href="/2_samuel/16-16.htm">2 Samuel 16:16-19</a> And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” / “Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?” / “Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by this people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain. ... <a href="/2_samuel/17-5.htm">2 Samuel 17:5-14</a> Then Absalom said, “Summon Hushai the Archite as well, and let us hear what he too has to say.” / So Hushai came to Absalom, who told him, “Ahithophel has spoken this proposal. Should we carry it out? If not, what do you say?” / Hushai replied, “This time the advice of Ahithophel is not sound.” ... <a href="/2_samuel/19-9.htm">2 Samuel 19:9-15</a> And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom. / But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?” / Then King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests: “Say to the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to restore the king to his palace, since the talk of all Israel has reached the king at his quarters? ... <a href="/1_kings/1-32.htm">1 Kings 1:32-37</a> Then King David said, “Call in for me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king. / “Take my servants with you,” said the king. “Set my son Solomon on my own mule and take him down to Gihon. / There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him king over Israel. You are to blow the ram’s horn and declare, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ ... <a href="/1_kings/4-5.htm">1 Kings 4:5</a> Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the governors; Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and adviser to the king; <a href="/1_kings/1-8.htm">1 Kings 1:8</a> But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s mighty men would not join Adonijah. <a href="/1_kings/1-45.htm">1 Kings 1:45</a> Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king at Gihon, and they have gone up from there with rejoicing that rings out in the city. That is the noise you hear. <a href="/1_kings/1-38.htm">1 Kings 1:38-40</a> Then Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, went down and set Solomon on King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon. / Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, “Long live King Solomon!” / All the people followed him, playing flutes and rejoicing with such a great joy that the earth was split by the sound. <a href="/1_kings/1-50.htm">1 Kings 1:50-53</a> But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to Solomon: “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon first swear to me not to put his servant to the sword.’” / And Solomon replied, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.” ... <a href="/1_kings/2-22.htm">1 Kings 2:22</a> 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!” <a href="/1_kings/2-25.htm">1 Kings 2:25</a> So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died. <a href="/1_kings/2-28.htm">1 Kings 2:28-34</a> When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father's servant till now, so will I now also be your servant: then may you for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.return<a href="/2_samuel/15-20.htm">2 Samuel 15:20</a> Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee.<a href="/joshua/8-2.htm">Joshua 8:2</a> And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves: lay thee an ambush for the city behind it.<a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a> Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.as I have been<a href="/2_samuel/16-16.htm">2 Samuel 16:16-19</a> And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king… then mayest<a href="/2_samuel/17-5.htm">2 Samuel 17:5-14</a> Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/12-23.htm">Able</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-33.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">Ahithophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">Ahith'ophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">Ahithophel's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-27.htm">City</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/judges/6-16.htm">Defeat</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-11.htm">Designs</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-7.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-9.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-4.htm">Help</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-18.htm">Hitherto</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-21.htm">Mayest</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-18.htm">Past</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-21.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-19.htm">Thwart</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-33.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/17-17.htm">Able</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-37.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-37.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-20.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-15.htm">Ahithophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-15.htm">Ahith'ophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">Ahithophel's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-37.htm">City</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-20.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-14.htm">Defeat</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-5.htm">Designs</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-12.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-19.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-3.htm">Help</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/9-18.htm">Hitherto</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-17.htm">Mayest</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-1.htm">Past</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-1.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-27.htm">Thwart</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-7.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-9.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-22.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 15</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">Absalom, by fair speeches and courtesies, steals the hearts of Israel.</a> 7. <a href="/2_samuel/15-7.htm">By pretense of a vow, he obtains leave to go to Hebron</a> 10. <a href="/2_samuel/15-10.htm">He makes there a great conspiracy</a> 13. <a href="/2_samuel/15-13.htm">David upon the news flees from Jerusalem</a> 19. <a href="/2_samuel/15-19.htm">Ittai will leave him</a> 24. <a href="/2_samuel/15-24.htm">Zadok and Abiathar are sent back with the ark</a> 30. <a href="/2_samuel/15-30.htm">David and his company go up mount Olivet weeping,</a> 31. <a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">He curses Ahithophel's counsel</a> 32. <a href="/2_samuel/15-32.htm">Hushai is sent back with instructions</a> </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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me Ahithophel was a highly esteemed advisor, known for his wisdom (<a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">2 Samuel 16:23</a>). His counsel was considered as if one had inquired of the word of God. David's strategy to counteract Ahithophel's advice highlights the importance of divine intervention and human agency in thwarting plans against God's anointed. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God using unexpected means to protect His chosen ones, as seen in stories like Joseph's rise in Egypt (<a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a>).if you return to the city and say to Absalom: The city referred to is Jerusalem, the political and spiritual center of Israel. Absalom's rebellion against David, his father, represents a significant moment of political upheaval. Returning to the city signifies a strategic move to influence the heart of the rebellion. This mirrors the biblical theme of God’s sovereignty over political affairs, as seen in the rise and fall of kingdoms throughout the Old Testament.‘I will be your servant, my king; This phrase indicates a feigned allegiance to Absalom, who has declared himself king. The act of becoming a servant is a strategic deception, reminiscent of other biblical instances where God’s people use cunning to achieve divine purposes, such as Rahab hiding the spies (Joshua 2). It also foreshadows the ultimate servanthood of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve (<a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>).in the past I was your father’s servant, This acknowledges the previous loyalty to King David, Absalom's father. It underscores the theme of loyalty and betrayal, a recurring motif in the narrative of David's reign. The shift in allegiance is a tactical move to gain Absalom's trust, reflecting the complex dynamics of political power and personal relationships in the biblical narrative.but now I will be your servant.’ The repetition of servanthood emphasizes the role of humility and submission in achieving God's purposes. It also highlights the theme of divine providence, where God uses human actions, even those that seem deceitful, to fulfill His plans. This echoes the New Testament teaching of being wise as serpents and innocent as doves (<a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a>), illustrating the balance between shrewdness and integrity in the life of faith.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom's rebellion. He is the one orchestrating the plan to thwart Ahithophel's counsel. 2. <a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a> David's son, who has declared himself king in Hebron and is attempting to usurp David's throne. 3. <a href="/topical/h/hushai_the_archite.htm">Hushai the Archite</a> A loyal friend and advisor to King David, who is sent back to Jerusalem to act as a spy and counter the advice of Ahithophel. 4. <a href="/topical/a/ahithophel.htm">Ahithophel</a> A highly esteemed counselor whose advice is considered almost as if one had consulted the word of God. He has defected to Absalom's side. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where Absalom has set up his temporary rule and where Hushai is sent to carry out David's plan.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/l/loyalty_and_wisdom.htm">Loyalty and Wisdom</a> Hushai's loyalty to David is a testament to the importance of wise counsel and loyalty to God's anointed. In our lives, we should seek to be loyal to God's purposes and wise in our actions. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> Despite human schemes, God's plans prevail. We can trust that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire. <a href="/topical/s/strategic_thinking_in_faith.htm">Strategic Thinking in Faith</a> David's strategic use of Hushai shows that faith does not preclude the use of wisdom and strategy. Believers are called to be shrewd and discerning in their actions. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_influence.htm">The Power of Influence</a> The account highlights the power of influence and counsel. We should be mindful of the advice we give and receive, ensuring it aligns with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 15</a> <a href="/q/where_is_malta_mentioned_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Ahithophel in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'foothold'_mean.htm">Who was Hushai in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_hushai_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Hushai in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_absalom_reject_ahithophel's_advice.htm">If Hushai's counsel (2 Samuel 17:7-14) was so clearly delayed and risky, why would Absalom reject Ahithophel's seemingly superior military advice without further scrutiny?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(34) Say unto Absalom.--David here counsels fraud and treachery, and Hushai willingly accepts the part assigned to him, in order to thwart Ahithophel's counsel and weaken Absalom's rebellion. The narrative simply states the facts without justifying them. But while we cannot too strongly condemn such a stratagem, two things are to be remembered: first, that like frauds in time of war and rebellion have been practised in all ages, and still continue; and, secondly, that David and Hushai had but slender knowledge of the Divine revelation of truth and righteousness which enables us to condemn them, and, therefore, did with a clear conscience many things which we see to be wrong.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 34. - Then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. David was thus meeting treachery by treachery, and we cannot approve of it, even granting that Ahithophel's conduct was base and selfish, while Hushai was risking his life for his master. Still, he was sent back to tell a falsehood, and his excuse was necessity; for Ahithophel was so sagacious that, if his counsel were not upset, David's cause was lost. It was not Christian morality, but yet it has a sort of nobleness about it in Hushai's devotion to his king. And even now, in war and diplomacy, such acts are not uncommon, and a distinction is unhappily drawn between political and social morality. Even in common life immoral doings are often sanctioned by use. Thus many customs of trade are frauds, considered legitimate because generally practised. Even among ourselves Christian morality is far below the level of our Master's teaching; and the Old Testament must not be taken as approving all that it records. Similar blame does not attach to Zadok and Abiathar. They were known to be David's friends, and had even tried to go with him, bearing with them the ark. They professed no friendship for Absalom, and returned for no covert purpose, looking for protection, not to guile, but to their sacred office. And Absalom would be glad to have them in his power, and would make them continue the customary sacrifices, and, if his rebellion proved successful, would force them to anoint him, and so give his usurpation a religious sanction. But he would tell them none of his plans, nor would they try to insinuate themselves into his confidence. They would have a perfect right to be useful in any way they could to their true master, but would do so at the risk of severe punishment. Hushai's way of defeating Ahithophel was treacherous; but there was no deceit in the young men carrying a message from him, for they were openly David's friends. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/15-34.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>but if וְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not you return תָּשׁ֗וּב (tā·šūḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> To turn back, in, to retreat, again to the city הָעִ֣יר (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement and say וְאָמַרְתָּ֤ (wə·’ā·mar·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to Absalom, לְאַבְשָׁלוֹם֙ (lə·’aḇ·šā·lō·wm) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_53.htm">Strong's 53: </a> Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites ‘I אֲנִ֤י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I will be אֶֽהְיֶ֔ה (’eh·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be your servant, עַבְדְּךָ֨ (‘aḇ·də·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant my king! הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king In the past מֵאָ֔ז (mê·’āz) Preposition-m | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_227.htm">Strong's 227: </a> At that time, place, therefore I וַֽאֲנִי֙ (wa·’ă·nî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I was your father’s אָבִ֤יךָ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father servant, עֶ֣בֶד (‘e·ḇeḏ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant but now וְעַתָּ֖ה (wə·‘at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> At this time I וַאֲנִ֣י (wa·’ă·nî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I will be your servant,’ עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ (‘aḇ·de·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant then you can thwart וְהֵפַרְתָּ֣ה (wə·hê·p̄ar·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6565.htm">Strong's 6565: </a> To break up, to violate, frustrate the counsel עֲצַ֥ת (‘ă·ṣaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6098.htm">Strong's 6098: </a> Advice, plan, prudence of Ahithophel אֲחִיתֹֽפֶל׃ (’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_302.htm">Strong's 302: </a> Ahithophel -- an adviser of David for me. לִ֔י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_0.htm">Strong's 0: </a> 0 <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/15-34.htm">2 Samuel 15:34 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/15-34.htm">2 Samuel 15:34 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/15-34.htm">2 Samuel 15:34 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/15-34.htm">2 Samuel 15:34 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/15-34.htm">2 Samuel 15:34 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/15-34.htm">2 Samuel 15:34 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/15-34.htm">2 Samuel 15:34 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/15-34.htm">2 Samuel 15:34 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/15-34.htm">2 Samuel 15:34 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/15-34.htm">2 Samuel 15:34 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-34.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 15:34 But if you return to the city (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/15-33.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 15:33"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 15:33" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/15-35.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 15:35"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 15:35" /></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>