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2 Samuel 17:7 Hushai replied, "This time the advice of Ahithophel is not sound."
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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 />Hushai replied to Absalom, “The advice Ahithophel has given is not good this time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Well,” Hushai replied to Absalom, “this time Ahithophel has made a mistake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Hushai said to Absalom, “This time the counsel that Ahithophel has given is not good.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Hushai replied, “This time the advice of Ahithophel is not sound.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given <i>is</i> not good at this time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Hushai said to Absalom: “The advice that Ahithophel has given <i>is</i> not good at this time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Hushai said to Absalom, “This time the advice that Ahithophel has given is not good.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So Hushai said to Absalom, “This time the advice that Ahithophel has given is not good.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So Hushai said to Absalom, “This time the advice that Ahithophel has given is not good.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Hushai said to Absalom, “This time the counsel that Ahithophel has counseled is not good.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So Hushai said to Absalom, “Ahithophel has not given good advice this time.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Hushai replied to Absalom, “The advice Ahithophel has given this time is not good.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Hushai replied to Absalom, “The advice Ahithophel has given this time is not good.” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given this time is not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Hushai said: This time Ahithophel's advice isn't so good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given this time is not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"This time Ahithophel's advice is no good," Hushai said to Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Hushai answered, "The advice Ahithophel gave you this time is no good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Ahithophel's advice is not best at this time," Hushai suggested to Absalom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Hushai replied, ?This time the advice of Ahithophel is not sound.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Hushai replied to Absalom, "Ahithophel's advice is not sound this time."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So Hushai said to Absalom, "The counsel that Ahithophel has given this time is not good."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Hushai said to Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given, is not good at this time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Hushai said to Absalom, “The counsel that Ahithophel has given this time is not good.” <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 Hushai says to Absalom, “The counsel that Ahithophel has counseled [is] not good at this time.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Hushai saith unto Absalom, 'Not good is the counsel that Ahithophel hath counselled at this time.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Hushai will say to Absalom, The counsel which Ahithophel counseled is not good in this time.<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 Chusai said to Absalom: The counsel that Achitophel hath given this time is not good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Hushai said to Absalom, “The counsel that Ahithophel has given at this time is not good.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Hushai replied to Absalom, “This time Ahithophel has not given good counsel.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Hushai said to Absalom, “This time the counsel that Ahithophel has given is not good.”<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 Hushai said to Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel has given is not good at this time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Khushi said to Abishlum: “The advice that Akhithuphil counseled is not good at this time”<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 Hushai said unto Absalom: 'The counsel that Ahithophel hath given this time is not good.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Chusi said to Abessalom, This counsel which Achitophel has counselled this one time <i>is</i> not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/17-7.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=4795" 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">6</span>So Hushai came to Absalom, who told him, “Ahithophel has spoken this proposal. Should we carry it out? If not, what do you say?” <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2365.htm" title="2365: ḥū·šay (N-proper-ms) -- Two Isr. From chuwsh; hasty; Chushai, an Israelite.">Hushai</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/53.htm" title="53: ’aḇ·šā·lō·wm (N-proper-ms) -- Or babshalowm; from 'ab and shalowm; father of peace; Abshalom, a son of David; also a later Israelite."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2063.htm" title="2063: haz·zōṯ (Art:: Pro-fs) -- Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that. Irregular feminine of zeh; this.">“This</a> <a href="/hebrew/6471.htm" title="6471: bap·pa·‘am (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence. Or pa;amah; from pa'am; a stroke, literally or figuratively.">time</a> <a href="/hebrew/6098.htm" title="6098: hā·‘ê·ṣāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Counsel, advice. From ya'ats; advice; by implication, plan; also prudence.">the advice</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/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/3289.htm" title="3289: yā·‘aṣ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To advise, counsel. A primitive root; to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve."></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.">is not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·w·ḇāh (Adj-fs) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">sound.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>He continued, “You know your father and his men. They are mighty men, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Moreover, your father is a man of war who will not spend the night with the troops.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">2 Samuel 15:31</a></span><br />Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">2 Samuel 16:23</a></span><br />Now in those days the advice of Ahithophel was like the consultation of the word of God. Such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">1 Kings 12:6-8</a></span><br />Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” / But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</a></span><br />Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Proverbs 21:30</a></span><br />There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/8-10.htm">Isaiah 8:10</a></span><br />Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-14.htm">Isaiah 29:14</a></span><br />Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/8-9.htm">Jeremiah 8:9</a></span><br />The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-19.htm">1 Corinthians 1:19-20</a></span><br />For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">1 Corinthians 3:19-20</a></span><br />For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13-17</a></span><br />Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. / But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a></span><br />At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-15.htm">Luke 21:15</a></span><br />For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-38.htm">Acts 5:38-39</a></span><br />So in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone. Let them go! For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail. / But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Hushai said to Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel has given is not good at this time.</p><p class="hdg">given [heb] counselled </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Proverbs 31:8</a></b></br> Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/17-6.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-6.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-6.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-6.htm">Ahithophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-6.htm">Ahith'ophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">Ahithophel's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">Counselled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-4.htm">Good</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-6.htm">Hushai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-33.htm">Idea</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-34.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/17-9.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-9.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-43.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-14.htm">Ahithophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-15.htm">Ahith'ophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">Ahithophel's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-11.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-15.htm">Counselled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-14.htm">Good</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-8.htm">Hushai</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-15.htm">Idea</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-17.htm">Time</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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>Hushai replied</b><br>Hushai the Archite was a loyal friend and advisor to King David. In the context of <a href="/2_samuel/17.htm">2 Samuel 17</a>, he was sent back to Jerusalem by David to act as a spy and counter the counsel of Ahithophel, who had sided with Absalom during his rebellion. Hushai's role is crucial in the narrative as he provides David with intelligence and seeks to thwart Ahithophel's plans. His presence in Absalom's court is a strategic move, highlighting the theme of divine providence and loyalty.<p><b>This time</b><br>The phrase "this time" indicates a specific moment in the ongoing conflict between David and Absalom. It suggests that Ahithophel's previous advice had been sound and effective, which aligns with his reputation for wisdom. However, this particular instance marks a turning point where Hushai sees an opportunity to intervene. The timing is critical, as it reflects the unfolding of God's plan to protect David and ensure the continuation of his dynasty, as promised in <a href="/2_samuel/7-12.htm">2 Samuel 7:12-16</a>.<p><b>the advice of Ahithophel</b><br>Ahithophel was known for his wise counsel, and his advice was highly regarded, as seen in <a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">2 Samuel 16:23</a>, where it is said that his counsel was like consulting the word of God. His defection to Absalom was a significant blow to David, both politically and personally. Ahithophel's advice to Absalom was to pursue David immediately, which would have likely resulted in David's defeat. This highlights the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences if Hushai's intervention had not occurred.<p><b>is not sound</b><br>Hushai's assertion that Ahithophel's advice "is not sound" is a strategic move to buy David time. By undermining Ahithophel's counsel, Hushai aims to protect David and disrupt Absalom's plans. This moment is pivotal, as it demonstrates the theme of divine intervention and wisdom. Hushai's ability to persuade Absalom to reject Ahithophel's advice is seen as God's hand at work, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises to David. This also foreshadows the eventual downfall of Absalom and the restoration of David's reign.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/h/hushai_the_archite.htm">Hushai the Archite</a></b><br>A loyal friend and advisor to King David, Hushai was sent back to Jerusalem to act as a spy and counter the counsel of Ahithophel, who had sided with Absalom.<br><br>2. <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 rebellion is a central event in this account.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/ahithophel.htm">Ahithophel</a></b><br>A highly esteemed counselor whose advice was considered almost as if one had consulted the word of God. He defected to Absalom's side during the rebellion.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The King of Israel, father of Absalom, and the central figure in the books of Samuel. At this time, he is fleeing from Absalom's rebellion.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The capital city of Israel, where Absalom has taken control and where Hushai and Ahithophel are advising him.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_godly_counsel.htm">The Importance of Godly Counsel</a></b><br>Hushai's intervention shows the importance of seeking and discerning godly counsel. In our lives, we should seek advisors who are aligned with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_human_plans.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans</a></b><br>Despite Ahithophel's wisdom, God's plan prevails. This reminds us that no matter how wise human plans may seem, God's purpose will stand.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/loyalty_and_faithfulness.htm">Loyalty and Faithfulness</a></b><br>Hushai's loyalty to David, even at great personal risk, is a model of faithfulness. We are called to be loyal to God and His anointed leaders.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_rebellion.htm">The Consequences of Rebellion</a></b><br>Absalom's rebellion against his father is a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of pride and ambition. We must guard our hearts against rebellion against God's authority.<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/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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'foothold'_mean.htm">Who was Hushai in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_hushai_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Hushai in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) <span class= "bld">Not good at this time.</span>--The words, <span class= "ital">at this time, </span>should be transposed. What Hushai says is "This time the counsel of Ahithophel is not good," implying that his previous advice (<a href="/2_samuel/16-21.htm" title="And Ahithophel said to Absalom, Go in to your father's concubines, which he has left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that you are abhorred of your father: then shall the hands of all that are with you be strong.">2Samuel 16:21</a>) had been wise, thus assuming an appearance of candour.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Hushai said.</span> Hushai gives his advice with much Oriental exaggeration, such as ought to have put Absalom on his guard. His main points are that David was too practised a soldier to let himself be surprised. In his adventures with Saul he and his men had been trained to hold large bodies of pursuers at bay, and evade them. The men, too, who were with him were warriors of desperate valour, whose first thought would be the king's personal safety, and to ensure this they would conceal him in some pit, some cave or ravine, safe and inaccessible by nature; or <span class="cmt_word">in some place</span> (omit the inserted word "other"), that is, in some camping place, made strong with ramparts, so as to resist the first attack. "To smite the king only" is, therefore, an impossibility; and if the attack fail, and David's mighties, in their irritation, slaughter a large number of their assailants, and a panic be the result, men will hesitate before they attack such redoubtable champions a second time. A check is fatal to a rebellion, and Absalom, was staking his chance on one hasty encounter. Better leave the decision to all Israel. Their hearts were with Absalom, and, when there has been time for them to gather in their thousands, success is certain. Their numbers will be countless as the sands on the shore, or as the dew upon the grass; while David and his heroes will shrink to so small a body as to be scarcely able to man the walls of one small city. And fighting there will be none; for the myriads of Israel will drag city and fugitives with ropes down into the nearest torrent bed, where the next floods will wash all away. There was more in this than an appeal to Absalom's vanity. If all Israel did take his side, then David's cause would soon be hopeless, and there would be no need of parricide. David's death would be the act of Israel, and not of Absalom. Evidently Absalom believed that all Israel was on his side, and his success hitherto had been so rapid as almost to justify the assumption. To us this success is almost unaccountable, but it suggests that there were great faults in David's administration. Yet even so we wonder at the existence of such general dissatisfaction. <span class="cmt_word">At this time.</span> A wrong translation. The Hebrew is, <span class="accented">Ahithophel's counsel this time is not good</span>, whereas last time, what he advised about the concubines was good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/17-7.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">Hushai</span><br /><span class="heb">חוּשַׁ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(ḥū·šay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2365.htm">Strong's 2365: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hushai -- two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">replied,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֥אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“This</span><br /><span class="heb">הַזֹּֽאת׃</span> <span class="translit">(haz·zōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2063.htm">Strong's 2063: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, </span><br /><br /><span class="word">time</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּפַּ֥עַם</span> <span class="translit">(bap·pa·‘am)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6471.htm">Strong's 6471: </a> </span><span class="str2">A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the advice</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעֵצָ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ê·ṣāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6098.htm">Strong's 6098: </a> </span><span class="str2">Advice, plan, prudence</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Ahithophel</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲחִיתֹ֖פֶל</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_302.htm">Strong's 302: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ahithophel -- an adviser of David</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sound.”</span><br /><span class="heb">טוֹבָ֧ה</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·w·ḇāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/17-7.htm">2 Samuel 17:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/17-7.htm">2 Samuel 17:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/17-7.htm">2 Samuel 17:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/17-7.htm">2 Samuel 17:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/17-7.htm">2 Samuel 17:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/17-7.htm">2 Samuel 17:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/17-7.htm">2 Samuel 17:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/17-7.htm">2 Samuel 17:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/17-7.htm">2 Samuel 17:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/17-7.htm">2 Samuel 17:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/17-7.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 17:7 Hushai said to Absalom The counsel that (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/17-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 17:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 17:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/17-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 17:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 17:8" /></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>