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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 17:13 If he retreats to a city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not even a pebble can be found."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/17-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/10_2Sa_17_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 17:13 - Hushai Counters Ahithophel's Advice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If he retreats to a city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not even a pebble can be found." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_samuel/17-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_samuel/17-13.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/17.htm">Chapter 17</a> > Verse 13</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/17-12.htm" title="2 Samuel 17:12">◄</a> 2 Samuel 17:13 <a href="/2_samuel/17-14.htm" title="2 Samuel 17:14">►</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="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/17.htm">New International Version</a> If he withdraws into a city, then all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not so much as a pebble is left.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/17.htm">New Living Translation</a> And if David were to escape into some town, you will have all Israel there at your command. Then we can take ropes and drag the walls of the town into the nearest valley until every stone is torn down.” <a href="/esv/2_samuel/17.htm">English Standard Version</a> If he withdraws into a city, then all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we shall drag it into the valley, until not even a pebble is to be found there.” <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> If he retreats to a city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not even a pebble can be found there.” <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/17.htm">King James Bible</a> Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/17.htm">New King James Version</a> Moreover, if he has withdrawn into a city, then all Israel shall bring ropes to that city; and we will pull it into the river, until there is not one small stone found there.” <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And if he withdraws into a city, then all Israel shall bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it into the valley until not even a pebble is found there.” <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220If he withdraws into a city, then all Israel shall bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it into the valley until not even a small stone is found there.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And if he withdraws into a city, then all Israel shall bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it into the valley until not even a small stone is found there.” <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> If he withdraws into a city, then all Israel shall carry ropes to that city, and we will drag it into the valley until not even a small stone is found there.” <a href="/amp/2_samuel/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a> If he retreats into a city, then all Israel shall bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it into the ravine until not even a pebble [of it] is found there.” <a href="/csb/2_samuel/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> If he retreats to some city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag its stones into the valley until not even a pebble can be found there.” <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> If he retreats to some city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag its stones into the valley until not even a pebble can be found there.&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_samuel/17.htm">American Standard Version</a> Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> If they go into a walled town, we will put ropes around that town and drag it into the river. We won't leave even one small piece of a stone. <a href="/erv/2_samuel/17.htm">English Revised Version</a> Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If he retreats into a city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city and drag it into a valley so that not even a pebble will be found there." <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/17.htm">Good News Translation</a> If he retreats into a city, our people will all bring ropes and just pull the city into the valley below. Not a single stone will be left there on top of the hill." <a href="/isv/2_samuel/17.htm">International Standard Version</a> If he escapes into a city, we'll bring ropes to that city and tear it down! We won't leave a single stone left in the valley!" <a href="/msb/2_samuel/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> If he retreats to a city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not even a pebble can be found there.? <a href="/net/2_samuel/17.htm">NET Bible</a> If he regroups in a city, all Israel will take up ropes to that city and drag it down to the valley, so that not a single pebble will be left there!" <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Moreover, if he withdraws into a city, then all Israel will take up ropes to that city, and we will drag it into the riverbed, until there isn't one pebble to be found there." <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Moreover, if he shall have entered into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there is not one small stone found there. <a href="/web/2_samuel/17.htm">World English Bible</a> Moreover, if he has gone into a city, then all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there isn’t one small stone found there.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And if he is gathered to a city, then they have caused all Israel to carry ropes to that city, and we have drawn it to the brook until there has not even been found a stone there.” <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And if unto a city he is gathered, then they have caused all Israel to bear unto that city ropes, and we have drawn it unto the brook till that there hath not been found there even a stone.' <a href="/slt/2_samuel/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And if he shall be gathered into the city, and all Israel shall lift up ropes to that city, and we dragged it even to the torrent, till we shall not find there even a stone.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And if he shall enter into any city, all Israel shall cast ropes round about that city, and we will draw it into the river, so that there shall not be found so much as one small stone thereof. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And if he will enter into any city, all of Israel shall encircle that city with ropes. And we will pull it into the torrent, so that there may not be found even one small stone from it.” <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/17.htm">New American Bible</a> And if he retires into a city, all Israel shall bring ropes to that city and we can drag it into the gorge, so that not even a pebble of it can be found.” <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> If he withdraws into a city, then all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we shall drag it into the valley, until not even a pebble is to be found there.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Moreover, if he should enter into a city, then all Israel shall cast ropes on it, and we will drag it into the valley, and they shall leave there not even a cricket. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And if he will enter a city, all Israel will cast cords on it and we shall drag it unto the valley and we shall not leave even a cricket there<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Moreover, if he withdraw himself into a city, then shall all Israel bring up ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the valley until there be not one small stone found there.' <a href="/sep/2_samuel/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And if he shall have taken refuge with his army in a city, then shall all Israel take ropes to that city, and we will draw it even into the river, that there may not be left there even a stone. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/17-13.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=4869" 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/17.htm">Hushai Counters Ahithophel's Advice</a> …12Then we will attack David wherever we find him, and we will descend on him like dew on the ground. And of all the men with him, not even one will remain. 13<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/622.htm" title="622: yê·’ā·sêp̄ (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To gather, remove. A primitive root; to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e. Remove.">he retreats</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘îr (N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">a city,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ḵāl (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: wə·hiś·śî·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-3cp) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">will bring</a> <a href="/hebrew/2256.htm" title="2256: ḥă·ḇā·lîm (N-mp) -- A rope, a measuring line, a district, inheritance, a noose, a company, a throe, ruin.">ropes</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hî (Art:: Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">that</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.">city,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5498.htm" title="5498: wə·sā·ḥaḇ·nū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cp) -- To drag. A primitive root; to trail along.">and we will drag</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">it</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">down to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5158.htm" title="5158: han·na·ḥal (Art:: N-ms) -- Or nachlah; or nachalah; from nachal in its original sense; a stream, especially a winter torrent; a valley; also a shaft.">the valley</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">until</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">even</a> <a href="/hebrew/6872.htm" title="6872: ṣə·rō·wr (N-ms) -- A parcel, a kernel, particle. Or tsror; from tsarar; a parcel; also a kernel or particle.">a pebble</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: nim·ṣā (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- To attain to, find. ">can be found.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence."></a> 14Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.…<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="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a> Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ... <a href="/luke/6-47.htm">Luke 6:47-49</a> I will show you what he is like who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them: / He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid his foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the torrent crashed against that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. / But the one who hears My words and does not act on them is like a man who built his house on ground without a foundation. The torrent crashed against that house, and immediately it fell—and great was its destruction!” <a href="/isaiah/28-17.htm">Isaiah 28:17</a> I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level. Hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place. <a href="/ezekiel/13-10.htm">Ezekiel 13:10-15</a> Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and whitewashing any flimsy wall that is built, / tell those whitewashing the wall that it will fall. Rain will come in torrents, I will send hailstones plunging down, and a windstorm will burst forth. / Surely when the wall has fallen, you will not be asked, ‘Where is the whitewash with which you covered it?’ ... <a href="/jeremiah/23-29.htm">Jeremiah 23:29</a> “Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?” <a href="/proverbs/10-25.htm">Proverbs 10:25</a> When the whirlwind passes, the wicked are no more, but the righteous are secure forever. <a href="/matthew/16-18.htm">Matthew 16:18</a> And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. <a href="/isaiah/8-14.htm">Isaiah 8:14-15</a> And He will be a sanctuary—but to both houses of Israel a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, to the dwellers of Jerusalem a trap and a snare. / Many will stumble over these; they will fall and be broken; they will be ensnared and captured.” <a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">1 Peter 2:6-8</a> For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” / To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” / and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed. <a href="/psalms/18-2.htm">Psalm 18:2</a> The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. <a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Isaiah 28:16</a> So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-11.htm">1 Corinthians 3:11</a> For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. <a href="/hebrews/12-26.htm">Hebrews 12:26-27</a> At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.” / The words “Once more” signify the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that the unshakable may remain. <a href="/psalms/62-2.htm">Psalm 62:2</a> He alone is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress; I will never be shaken. <a href="/isaiah/30-28.htm">Isaiah 30:28</a> His breath is like a rushing torrent that rises to the neck. He comes to sift the nations in a sieve of destruction; He bridles the jaws of the peoples to lead them astray.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.one small<a href="/matthew/24-2.htm">Matthew 24:2</a> And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/17-8.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-23.htm">Brook</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-2.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-37.htm">City</a> <a href="/judges/16-12.htm">Cords</a> <a href="/james/2-6.htm">Drag</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-15.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/ruth/2-9.htm">Drawn</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-15.htm">Entered</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-12.htm">Found</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-11.htm">Gathered</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-6.htm">Gotten</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-11.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-8.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/amos/9-9.htm">Pebble</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-21.htm">Piece</a> <a href="/ruth/2-16.htm">Pulled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-28.htm">River</a> <a href="/judges/16-12.htm">Ropes</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-19.htm">Small</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-30.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-10.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-23.htm">Valley</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-15.htm">Withdraw</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-20.htm">Brook</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-33.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-17.htm">City</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-6.htm">Cords</a> <a href="/job/36-20.htm">Drag</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-1.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-21.htm">Drawn</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-7.htm">Entered</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-20.htm">Found</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-15.htm">Gathered</a> <a href="/job/20-18.htm">Gotten</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-14.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-27.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/amos/9-9.htm">Pebble</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-11.htm">Piece</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-13.htm">Pulled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-16.htm">River</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-31.htm">Ropes</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-43.htm">Small</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-8.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-18.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-13.htm">Valley</a> <a href="/1_kings/15-19.htm">Withdraw</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 17</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">Ahithophel's counsel is overthrown by Hushai's</a> 15. <a href="/2_samuel/17-15.htm">Secret intelligence is sent unto David</a> 23. <a href="/2_samuel/17-23.htm">Ahithophel hangs himself</a> 25. <a href="/2_samuel/17-25.htm">Amasa is made captain</a> 27. <a href="/2_samuel/17-27.htm">David at Mahanaim is furnished with provisions</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/17.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/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>If he retreats to a city This phrase refers to Absalom's pursuit of David, who is fleeing from his son’s rebellion. The context is a strategic discussion on how to capture David. Cities in ancient Israel were often fortified, providing refuge and protection. The idea of retreating to a city suggests seeking safety behind walls, a common military tactic. This reflects the historical context of warfare in the ancient Near East, where cities served as strongholds.all Israel will bring ropes to that city The phrase "all Israel" indicates a united effort, emphasizing the collective action of the nation against David. This hyperbolic expression suggests overwhelming force and determination. Ropes were used in siege warfare to pull down walls or gates, symbolizing the complete destruction of the city’s defenses. This imagery underscores the seriousness of the threat against David and the extent of Absalom's rebellion.and we will drag it down to the valley The valley represents a place of defeat and humiliation. In biblical symbolism, valleys often denote low points or places of judgment. The act of dragging a city down to the valley signifies total conquest and subjugation. This reflects the cultural understanding of victory in battle, where the defeated are brought low. It also foreshadows the ultimate failure of Absalom’s rebellion, as God’s plans for David prevail.until not even a pebble can be found there. This phrase emphasizes complete and utter destruction, leaving no trace of the city. It reflects the thoroughness of the intended siege and the finality of the judgment against David’s refuge. Biblically, such total destruction is reminiscent of divine judgment, as seen in the destruction of cities like Jericho. It also serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty, as human plans are ultimately subject to His will.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The anointed king of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom's rebellion. 2. <a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a> David's son, who has declared himself king and is seeking to overthrow David. 3. <a href="/topical/h/hushai_the_archite.htm">Hushai the Archite</a> A friend of David who acts as a spy and counselor to Absalom, providing advice to counter Ahithophel's counsel. 4. <a href="/topical/a/ahithophel.htm">Ahithophel</a> A former counselor of David who has defected to Absalom and is known for his wise counsel. 5. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation, which is divided in its loyalty between David and Absalom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a> Despite human plans and schemes, God's purposes will prevail. Hushai's advice, though seemingly less strategic, was used by God to protect David. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_wise_counsel.htm">The Power of Wise Counsel</a> The importance of seeking and discerning wise counsel is evident. Hushai's intervention shows how God can use individuals to influence outcomes according to His will. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_rebellion.htm">The Consequences of Rebellion</a> Absalom's rebellion against his father, the anointed king, serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and ambition that oppose God's order. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_deliverance.htm">Trust in God's Deliverance</a> David's reliance on God during this crisis is a model of faith under pressure. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's deliverance in times of trouble. <a href="/topical/u/unity_and_division.htm">Unity and Division</a> The division within Israel highlights the destructive nature of internal conflict. Unity under God's leadership is essential for the well-being of His people.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 17</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_chr_17_and_2_sam_7.htm">How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David?</a> <a href="/q/ark_to_jerusalem__before_or_after_philistines.htm">When did David bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem? Before defeating the Philistines or after? After (2 Samuel 5 and 6) Before (I Chronicles 13 and 14)</a> <a href="/q/who_killed_goliath.htm">Who killed Goliath? (1 Samuel 17:49 vs. 2 Samuel 21:19)</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_five_stones.htm">What are the five smooth stones in the story?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) Bring ropes to that city.--Hushai here makes use of hyperbole to show the irresistible power of all Israel united, and therefore the certain success of his plan. This was pleasing to the vanity and dazzling to the imagination of Absalom.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 13. - The river. The word does not signify a river, but a ravine or gorge worn away by the action of a torrent. Such ravines are common in Palestine, where the streams rush along with resistless fury after the rains, but in summer are dry (<a href="/job/6-17.htm">Job 6:17</a>); and their desolate beds, bordered by precipitous cliffs, are described by Isaiah as favourite places for the cruel rites of Moloch (<a href="/isaiah/57-5.htm">Isaiah 57:5</a>). Dragged to the edge of one of these gorges, the city, with its few defenders, would topple over, and in the next rainy season be entirely swept away. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/17-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>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 he retreats יֵֽאָסֵ֔ף (yê·’ā·sêp̄) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_622.htm">Strong's 622: </a> To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to a city, עִיר֙ (‘îr) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement all כָֽל־ (ḵāl) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc will bring וְהִשִּׂ֧יאוּ (wə·hiś·śî·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> To lift, carry, take ropes חֲבָלִ֑ים (ḥă·ḇā·lîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2256.htm">Strong's 2256: </a> A rope, a measuring line, a district, inheritance, a noose, a company, a throe, ruin to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to that הַהִ֖יא (ha·hî) Article | Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are city, הָעִ֥יר (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement and we will drag וְסָחַ֤בְנוּ (wə·sā·ḥaḇ·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5498.htm">Strong's 5498: </a> To trail along it אֹתוֹ֙ (’ō·ṯōw) Direct object marker | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case down to עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> As far as, even to, up to, until, while the valley הַנַּ֔חַל (han·na·ḥal) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5158.htm">Strong's 5158: </a> A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft until עַ֛ד (‘aḏ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> As far as, even to, up to, until, while not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no even גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and a pebble צְרֽוֹר׃ (ṣə·rō·wr) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6872.htm">Strong's 6872: </a> A parcel, a kernel, particle can be found.” נִמְצָ֥א (nim·ṣā) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/17-13.htm">2 Samuel 17:13 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/17-13.htm">2 Samuel 17:13 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/17-13.htm">2 Samuel 17:13 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/17-13.htm">2 Samuel 17:13 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/17-13.htm">2 Samuel 17:13 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/17-13.htm">2 Samuel 17:13 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/17-13.htm">2 Samuel 17:13 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/17-13.htm">2 Samuel 17:13 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/17-13.htm">2 Samuel 17:13 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/17-13.htm">2 Samuel 17:13 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-13.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 17:13 Moreover if he be gotten into (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/17-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 17:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 17:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/17-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 17:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 17:14" /></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>