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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 />This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the advice seemed right in the eyes of Absalom and all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />This proposal seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And the saying pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the plan pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So the plan pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So the plan pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the word was right in the eyes of Absalom and all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So the plan pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This proposal seemed right to Absalom and all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This proposal seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Absalom and all the leaders of the tribes of Israel agreed that Ahithophel had a good plan. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Absalom and all the leaders of Israel approved this plan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />This seemed like good advice to Absalom and all the Israelite leaders. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Even though this plan seemed like a good idea to Absalom and to all of the elders of Israel, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />This proposal seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />This seemed like a good idea to Absalom and to all the leaders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And the advice seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the saying, pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel. <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 the word is right in the eyes of Absalom, and in the eyes of all [the] elderly of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the thing is right in the eyes of Absalom, and in the eyes of all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the word will be straight in the eyes of Absalom and in the eyes of all the old men of Israel.<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 his saying pleased Absalom, and all the ancients of Israel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And this word pleased Absalom and all those greater by birth of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />This plan sounded good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The advice pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the word was pleasing to the ears of Abishlum and in the eyes of all of the Elders of Israel<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the saying <i>was</i> right in the eyes of Abessalom, and in the eyes of all the elders of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/17-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=4771" 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">3</span>and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·dā·ḇār (Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">This proposal</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: bə·‘ê·nê (Prep-b:: N-cdc) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">seemed</a> <a href="/hebrew/3474.htm" title="3474: way·yî·šar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To be smooth, straight, or right. A primitive root; to be straight or even; figuratively, to be right, pleasant, prosperous.">good</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.">to Absalom</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ū·ḇə·‘ê·nê (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-cdc) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">and all</a> <a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: ziq·nê (Adj-mpc) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">the elders</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.">of Israel.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Then Absalom said, “Summon Hushai the Archite as well, and let us hear what he too has to say.”…<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/16-21.htm">2 Samuel 16:21-23</a></span><br />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.” / So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. / 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/15-31.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/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/16-15.htm">2 Samuel 16:15</a></span><br />Then Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him.<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_kings/2-28.htm">1 Kings 2:28</a></span><br />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.<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">And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.</p><p class="hdg">the saying</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/18-20.htm">1 Samuel 18:20,21</a></b></br> And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/23-21.htm">1 Samuel 23:21</a></b></br> And Saul said, Blessed <i>be</i> ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/5-14.htm">Esther 5:14</a></b></br> Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/30-4.htm">2 Chronicles 30:4</a></b></br> And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/1-21.htm">Esther 1:21</a></b></br> And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-17.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-26.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-12.htm">Good</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-22.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/33-56.htm">Plan</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-26.htm">Pleased</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-36.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-3.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-6.htm">Right</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-2.htm">Seemed</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/17-5.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-5.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-6.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-15.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-4.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-7.htm">Good</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-10.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-6.htm">Plan</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-6.htm">Pleased</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-10.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-15.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-11.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/13-4.htm">Seemed</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'; </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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>This proposal seemed good to Absalom</b><br>Absalom, the third son of King David, is in the midst of a rebellion against his father. His ambition and desire for power have led him to seek counsel on how to solidify his claim to the throne. The proposal in question comes from Ahithophel, David's former advisor, who has defected to Absalom's side. This moment highlights Absalom's willingness to accept advice that aligns with his ambitions, regardless of its moral implications. The acceptance of this proposal marks a pivotal point in Absalom's rebellion, showcasing his determination to usurp David's kingship. This decision reflects the broader theme of human ambition and the consequences of seeking power outside of God's will.<p><b>and all the elders of Israel</b><br>The elders of Israel were influential leaders and decision-makers within the tribes. Their agreement with Ahithophel's proposal indicates a significant shift in loyalty from David to Absalom. This collective approval underscores the political instability and division within the kingdom during this period. The elders' support for Absalom can be seen as a reflection of the nation's discontent with David's rule, possibly due to his handling of previous events such as the incident with Bathsheba and the subsequent turmoil within his family. This moment also foreshadows the eventual downfall of Absalom's rebellion, as it is built on shaky alliances and human wisdom rather than divine guidance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a></b><br>The son of King David who rebelled against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. His ambition and desire for power led him to make decisions that ultimately resulted in his downfall.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ahithophel.htm">Ahithophel</a></b><br>A counselor to King David who defected to Absalom's side during the rebellion. Known for his wise counsel, his advice was highly regarded, and his betrayal was a significant blow to David.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_elders_of_israel.htm">The Elders of Israel</a></b><br>Leaders and influential figures in Israel who were involved in the decision-making process during Absalom's rebellion. Their agreement with Ahithophel's plan indicates their support for Absalom's cause at that time.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The reigning king of Israel, who was forced to flee Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion. His leadership and reliance on God are central themes throughout his life and reign.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/h/hushai_the_archite.htm">Hushai the Archite</a></b><br>A loyal friend of David who infiltrated Absalom's court to counteract Ahithophel's counsel. His role was crucial in thwarting Ahithophel's plans and aiding David's eventual return to power.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_ungodly_counsel.htm">The Danger of Ungodly Counsel</a></b><br>Ahithophel's advice, though seemingly wise, was rooted in rebellion against God's anointed king. We must discern and seek counsel that aligns with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_influence_of_leadership.htm">The Influence of Leadership</a></b><br>The elders' agreement with Absalom's plan shows the power of leadership in shaping the direction of a community. Leaders must be guided by righteousness and integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a></b><br>Despite human schemes, God's purposes will ultimately prevail. Trusting in God's sovereignty brings peace amidst uncertainty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_rebellion.htm">The Consequences of Rebellion</a></b><br>Absalom's account is a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of pride and rebellion. Submission to God's authority is essential for true success.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/loyalty_and_faithfulness.htm">Loyalty and Faithfulness</a></b><br>Hushai's loyalty to David exemplifies the importance of faithfulness to God's chosen leaders and the role of strategic wisdom in supporting God's plans.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/contradictions_in_1_samuel_4_on_eli's_sons.htm">Are there any contradictions between 1 Samuel 4 and other biblical accounts regarding the fate of Eli's sons or the Ark's movements?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_swift_secret_messaging_in_2_sam_17_15-21_realistic.htm">How realistic is the swift exchange of secret messages in 2 Samuel 17:15-21, given the distance and security risks involved in ancient Israel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_evidence_for_ahithophel's_plan.htm">In 2 Samuel 17:1-4, is there any archaeological evidence or external record supporting Ahithophel's plan to immediately strike David, or is this strategy purely literary?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_the_old_testament_elders.htm">Who were the elders in the Old Testament?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">All the elders of Israel.</span> Their presence seems to show that Absalom professed to act in an orderly and constitutional manner, and with the advice of those in authority. It was possibly this wish to keep up appearances which made him command Hushai to be summoned, as he was one whose advice would certainly have been asked had matters gone on in their ordinary channel. So again in vers. 14, 15, Absalom acts only with the popular consent. Very probably the royal power was gradually superseding that of the tribal authorities, and this may have made David unpopular with many of the great nobles. Absalom would thus gain many adherents by associating "elders" and "men of Israel" with him in his councils. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/17-4.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">This proposal</span><br /><span class="heb">הַדָּבָ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(had·dā·ḇār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">seemed</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעֵינֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘ê·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - cdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">good</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּישַׁ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yî·šar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3474.htm">Strong's 3474: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be straight, even, to be, right, pleasant, prosperous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to 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">and all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the elders</span><br /><span class="heb">זִקְנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ziq·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Old</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Israel.</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/17-4.htm">2 Samuel 17:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/17-4.htm">2 Samuel 17:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/17-4.htm">2 Samuel 17:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/17-4.htm">2 Samuel 17:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/17-4.htm">2 Samuel 17:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/17-4.htm">2 Samuel 17:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/17-4.htm">2 Samuel 17:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/17-4.htm">2 Samuel 17:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/17-4.htm">2 Samuel 17:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/17-4.htm">2 Samuel 17:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/17-4.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 17:4 The saying pleased Absalom well and all (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/17-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 17:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 17:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/17-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 17:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 17:5" /></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>