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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 17:3 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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/17-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/10_2Sa_17_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 17:3 - Hushai Counters Ahithophel's Advice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. 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The death of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be unharmed.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride returns to her husband. After all, it is only one man’s life that you seek. Then you will be at peace with all the people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride comes home to her husband. You seek the life of only one man, and all the people will be at peace.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest <i>is</i> as if all returned: <i>so</i> all the people shall be in peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then I will bring back all the people to you. When all return except the man whom you seek, all the people will be at peace.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and I will bring all the people back to you. The return of everyone depends on the man whom you are seeking; <i>then</i> all the people will be at peace.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and I will bring back all the people to you. The return of everyone depends on the man you seek; then all the people will be at peace.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and I will bring back all the people to you. The return of everyone depends on the man you seek; <i>then</i> all the people shall be at peace.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and I will cause all the people to return to you. The return of everyone depends on the man you seek; <i>then</i> all the people will be at peace.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />and I will bring all the people [who follow David] back to you. The return of everyone depends on the [death of the] man you are seeking; then all the people will be at peace [and accept you as king].”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and bring all the people back to you. When everyone returns except the man you’re looking for, all the people will be at peace.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and bring all the people back to you. When everyone returns except the man you&#8217re seeking, all the people will be at peace.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />since he's the one you want to get rid of. Then I'll bring the whole nation back to you like a bride coming home to her husband. This way there won't be a civil war. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I'll return all the people to you as a bride is returned to her husband. Since you will be seeking the life of only one man, all the people will have peace." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and then bring back all his men to you, like a bride returning to her husband. You want to kill only one man; the rest of the people will be safe." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then I'll bring everybody else back to you. When the man you're looking for is dead, all the rest of the people will return quietly."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />and will bring the entire army back to you. In exchange for the life of the man you are seeking, you will get back everyone. The entire army will return unharmed." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then all the people will come back to you, as a bride returns to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be in peace."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And I will bring back all the people to thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />and I will bring back all the people to you. The man whom you seek is as if all returned. All the people shall be in peace.” <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 I bring back all the people to you—as the turning back of the whole [except] the man whom you are seeking—[then] all the people are [at] peace.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and I bring back all the people unto thee -- as the turning back of the whole is the man whom thou art seeking -- all the people are peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And I will turn back all the people to thee: as the turning back of all, the man whom thou seekest; and to all the people shall be peace.<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 I will bring back all the people, as if they were but one man: for thou seekest but one man: and all the people shall be in peace. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And I will lead back the entire people, returning in the manner of one man. For you are seeking only one man. And all the people shall be in peace.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then I can bring back the rest of the people to you, as a bride returns to her husband. It is the death of only one man you are seeking; then all the people will be at peace.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride comes home to her husband. You seek the life of only one man, and all the people will be at peace.”<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 I will bring back all the people to you, just as those whom you sought have come back; so all the people shall be in peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I shall turn all the people to you, as every man whom you have desired has turned, and all the people will be at peace!”<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 I will bring back all the people unto thee; when all shall have returned, [save] the man whom thou seekest, all the people will be in peace.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And I will bring back all the people to thee, as a bride returns to her husband: only thou seekest the life of one man, and all the people shall have peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/17-3.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=4758" 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">2</span>I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><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.">and bring all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: wə·’ā·šî·ḇāh (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cs) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">back</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: hak·kōl (Art:: N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">as a bride</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: kə·šūḇ (Prep-k:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">returning to her husband.</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">You</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: mə·ḇaq·qêš (V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">seek the life</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: hā·’îš (Art:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">of only one man;</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/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">then all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">will be</a> <a href="/hebrew/7965.htm" title="7965: šā·lō·wm (N-ms) -- Or shalom; from shalam; safe, i.e. well, happy, friendly; also welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace.">at peace.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>This proposal seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel.…<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/15-14.htm">2 Samuel 15:14</a></span><br />And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/16-21.htm">2 Samuel 16:21-22</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm">2 Samuel 18:19-20</a></span><br />Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.” / But Joab replied, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-9.htm">2 Samuel 19:9-10</a></span><br />And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom. / But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-11.htm">1 Kings 1:11-12</a></span><br />Then Nathan said to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, “Have you not heard that Adonijah son of Haggith has become king, and our lord David does not know it? / Now please, come and let me advise you. Save your own life and the life of your son Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-15.htm">1 Kings 2:15</a></span><br />“You know that the kingship was mine,” he said. “All Israel expected that I should reign, but the kingship has turned to my brother, for it has come to him from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-26.htm">1 Kings 12:26-27</a></span><br />Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom might revert to the house of David. / If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, their hearts will return to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah; then they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-38.htm">1 Chronicles 12:38</a></span><br />All these men of war, arrayed for battle, came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of the Israelites were of one mind to make David king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/3-1.htm">Psalm 3:1-2</a></span><br />A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom. O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me! / Many say of me, “God will not deliver him.” Selah<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="/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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-3.htm">Luke 22:3-6</a></span><br />Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. / And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted and agreed to give him money. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And I will bring back all the people to you: the man whom you seek is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.</p><p class="hdg">I will bring</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/3-21.htm">2 Samuel 3:21</a></b></br> And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.</p><p class="hdg">shall be</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/48-22.htm">Isaiah 48:22</a></b></br> <i>There is</i> no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/57-21.htm">Isaiah 57:21</a></b></br> <i>There is</i> no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:3</a></b></br> For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/revelation/22-17.htm">Bride</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-21.htm">Death</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-7.htm">Depends</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-13.htm">Home</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-7.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-11.htm">Life</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-2.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-27.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-16.htm">Save</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-17.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/judges/4-22.htm">Seekest</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-16.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-1.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-19.htm">Unharmed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-35.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/45-9.htm">Bride</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-13.htm">Death</a> <a href="/jeremiah/17-5.htm">Depends</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-23.htm">Home</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-13.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-45.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-29.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-3.htm">Save</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm">Seekest</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-30.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/psalms/55-18.htm">Unharmed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-8.htm">Whole</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>and bring all the people back to you</b><br>This phrase reflects the political strategy of Absalom's advisor, Ahithophel, who sought to consolidate power by reuniting the people under Absalom's leadership. The context is Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. The idea of "bringing back" suggests a restoration of unity and order, which was disrupted by the civil conflict. This reflects the broader biblical theme of reconciliation and restoration, seen in passages like <a href="/2_corinthians/5-18.htm">2 Corinthians 5:18-19</a>, where God reconciles the world to Himself through Christ.<p><b>as a bride returning to her husband</b><br>This imagery evokes the covenant relationship between God and His people, often depicted as a marriage in the Bible (e.g., <a href="/hosea/2-19.htm">Hosea 2:19-20</a>, <a href="/ephesians/5-25.htm">Ephesians 5:25-27</a>). The use of marital imagery underscores the depth of commitment and loyalty expected in the relationship. In the historical context, a bride returning to her husband signifies reconciliation and the restoration of a broken relationship, which Ahithophel hoped to achieve politically for Absalom.<p><b>You seek the life of only one man</b><br>Ahithophel's counsel was to target King David specifically, suggesting that the removal of David would end the conflict swiftly. This reflects a common military strategy of the time, where the death of a leader could lead to the collapse of their cause. Biblically, this phrase highlights the theme of individual responsibility and the impact one person can have on the fate of many, as seen in the stories of figures like Achan (Joshua 7) and Jonah.<p><b>then all the people will be at peace</b><br>The promise of peace is a recurring biblical theme, often associated with the reign of a just and righteous king (<a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6-7</a>). Ahithophel's plan was to bring about peace through the elimination of David, but this contrasts with the biblical understanding of true peace, which comes from God and is characterized by justice and righteousness. The pursuit of peace through violence is a recurring tension in the biblical narrative, ultimately resolved in the New Testament through the peace brought by Jesus Christ (<a href="/john/14-27.htm">John 14:27</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/ahithophel.htm">Ahithophel</a></b><br>A counselor to King David, who later defected to Absalom. Known for his wise counsel, Ahithophel's advice was highly regarded.<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.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The King of Israel, chosen by God, who faced rebellion from his son Absalom.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_israel.htm">The People of Israel</a></b><br>The nation caught in the conflict between David and Absalom, whose loyalty and peace were at stake.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event_of_rebellion.htm">The Event of Rebellion</a></b><br>Absalom's rebellion against David, which led to a civil conflict within Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_betrayal.htm">The Consequences of Betrayal</a></b><br>Betrayal by trusted individuals can lead to significant turmoil and conflict. Ahithophel's betrayal of David is a reminder of the pain and chaos that can ensue when trust is broken.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit_of_peace.htm">The Pursuit of Peace</a></b><br>Ahithophel's counsel aimed at achieving peace by eliminating David. This reflects a worldly approach to peace, contrasting with the biblical call to seek peace through righteousness and reconciliation.<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 and betrayals, God's sovereign plan prevails. David's eventual restoration to the throne demonstrates God's control over the affairs of men.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wise_counsel.htm">The Importance of Wise Counsel</a></b><br>The account underscores the value of seeking and heeding godly counsel. Ahithophel's wisdom was renowned, yet his motives were flawed, reminding us to discern the heart behind the advice we receive.<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/can_married_people_have_opposite-sex_friends.htm">Can married individuals have opposite-sex friends?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_polygamy_allowed_in_the_bible.htm">Why was polygamy permitted in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_2_samuel_3_2-5_allow_polygamy.htm">2 Samuel 3:2-5: Why does this passage allow David's polygamy despite Deuteronomy 17:17 warning against multiplying wives?</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><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>(3) <span class= "bld">Bring back all the people.</span>--This evil counsellor, with artful flattery, assumes that Absalom is the rightful king, and that the people who have gone off after David only need to be brought back to their allegiance.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The man whom thou seekest is as if all returned;</span> Hebrew, <span class="accented">as the return of the</span> <span class="accented">whole is the man whom thou seekest</span>. Both the amendments of the text and the various translations offered are innumerable, but nothing is really more satisfactory than the literal rendering of the words, virtually given us in the Authorized Version. Naturally, Ahithophel did not wish to parade David's death too openly. In his heart Absalom must have known that the safe possession of the kingdom could be assured him only by his father's death, but yet he might have shrunk from publicly avowing this, and having it talked of before his courtiers as a settled purpose. One reason why he adopted the counsel of Hushai may have been his reluctance to commit parricide: for plainly the one main purpose of Ahithophel was David's death. This thorough traitor may have seen even a tremor of alarm in Absalom's countenance when he spake out his purpose so frankly of "smiting the king only," and may have felt that, slumbering in the besom of the son, was something of that generous spirit which had made the father condemn the Amalekite to death for boasting that he had slain Saul. At all events, he was unwilling to dilate upon so ghastly a theme, and this general reference to David, as the man whom Absalom sought, without dwelling upon the subject, is in far better taste than the coarse open villainy so unreservedly expressed in ver. 2. The reading, however, of the Septuagint has many followers: "And I will bring back all the people to thee as a bride returns to her husband, excepting the life of the one man thou seekest; and for all the people there shall be peace." Ahithophel was bad enough, but scarcely so brutal as to compare to a bridal procession the sad return of David's mourning friends and companions in arms weeping round the corpse of their master murdered at the bidding of his own son. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/17-3.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">and bring all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָל־</span> <span class="translit">(ḵāl)</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 people</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">back</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאָשִׁ֥יבָה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ā·šî·ḇāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to you.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלֶ֑יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·le·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">When everyone</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכֹּ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<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">returns</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּשׁ֣וּב</span> <span class="translit">(kə·šūḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">except the man</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאִישׁ֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="heb">אַתָּ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(’at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">seek,</span><br /><span class="heb">מְבַקֵּ֔שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(mə·ḇaq·qêš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> </span><span class="str2">To search out, to strive after</span><br /><br /><span class="word">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 people</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will be</span><br /><span class="heb">יִהְיֶ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(yih·yeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at peace.”</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁלֽוֹם׃</span> <span class="translit">(šā·lō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7965.htm">Strong's 7965: </a> </span><span class="str2">Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/17-3.htm">2 Samuel 17:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/17-3.htm">2 Samuel 17:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/17-3.htm">2 Samuel 17:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/17-3.htm">2 Samuel 17:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/17-3.htm">2 Samuel 17:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/17-3.htm">2 Samuel 17:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/17-3.htm">2 Samuel 17:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/17-3.htm">2 Samuel 17:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/17-3.htm">2 Samuel 17:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/17-3.htm">2 Samuel 17:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/17-3.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 17:3 And I will bring back all (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/17-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 17:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 17:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/17-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 17:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 17:4" /></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>