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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 17:8 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/17-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/10_2Sa_17_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 17:8 - Hushai Counters Ahithophel's Advice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He continued, You know your father and his men. 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Besides, your father is an experienced fighter; he will not spend the night with the troops. <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/17.htm">New Living Translation</a> You know your father and his men; they are mighty warriors. Right now they are as enraged as a mother bear who has been robbed of her cubs. And remember that your father is an experienced man of war. He won’t be spending the night among the troops. <a href="/esv/2_samuel/17.htm">English Standard Version</a> Hushai said, “You know that your father and his men are mighty men, and that they are enraged, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field. Besides, your father is expert in war; he will not spend the night with the people. <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/17.htm">King James Bible</a> For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/17.htm">New King James Version</a> For,” said Hushai, “you know your father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are enraged in their minds, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field; and your father is a man of war, and will not camp with the people. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Hushai said, “You yourself know your father and his men, that they are warriors and they are fierce, like a bear deprived of her cubs in the field. And your father is an expert in warfare, and he will not spend the night with the people. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1995</a> Moreover, Hushai said, &#8220You know your father and his men, that they are mighty men and they are fierce, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field. And your father is an expert in warfare, and will not spend the night with the people. <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Moreover, Hushai said, “You know your father and his men, that they are mighty men and they are fierce, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field. And your father is an expert in warfare, and will not spend the night with the people. <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Hushai said, “You know your father and his men, that they are mighty men and they are bitter of soul, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field. And your father is a man of war, and will not spend the night with the people. <a href="/amp/2_samuel/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And Hushai said, “You know your father and his men, that they are brave men, and they are enraged and fierce, like a bear deprived of her cubs in the field. Your father is a [shrewd] man of war, and will not spend the night with the people [knowing that you seek his life]. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Hushai continued, “You know your father and his men. They are warriors and are desperate like a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Your father is an experienced soldier who won’t spend the night with the people. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Hushai continued, &#8220You know your father and his men. They are warriors and are desperate like a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Your father is an experienced soldier who won&#8217t spend the night with the people. <a href="/asv/2_samuel/17.htm">American Standard Version</a> Hushai said moreover, Thou knowest thy father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field; and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You know that your father and his followers are real warriors. Now they are as fierce as a mother bear whose cubs have just been killed. Besides, your father has a lot of experience in fighting wars, and he won't be spending the night with the others. <a href="/erv/2_samuel/17.htm">English Revised Version</a> Hushai said moreover, Thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "You know your father and his men. They are warriors as fierce as a wild bear whose cubs have been stolen. Your father is an experienced soldier. He will not camp with the troops tonight. <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/17.htm">Good News Translation</a> You know that your father David and his men are hard fighters and that they are as fierce as a mother bear robbed of her cubs. Your father is an experienced soldier and does not stay with his men at night. <a href="/isv/2_samuel/17.htm">International Standard Version</a> "You know how strong your father and his men are. They're as mad as a bear robbed of her cubs! Furthermore, your father is a skilled warrior. He won't stay with his army at night. <a href="/msb/2_samuel/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/2_samuel/17.htm">NET Bible</a> Hushai went on to say, "You know your father and his men--they are soldiers and are as dangerous as a bear out in the wild that has been robbed of her cubs. Your father is an experienced soldier; he will not stay overnight with the army. <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Moreover, Hushai said, "You know your father and his men, that they are warriors, and that they are as fierce as a bear robbed of her cubs in the wild, or a sow snared in the wild. Your father is expert in war, and will not camp with the people. <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. <a href="/web/2_samuel/17.htm">World English Bible</a> Hushai said moreover, “You know your father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are fierce in their minds, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field. Your father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Hushai says, “You have known your father and his men, that they [are] heroes, and they are bitter in soul as a bereaved bear in a field, and your father [is] a man of war, and does not lodge with the people; <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Hushai saith, 'Thou hast known thy father and his men, that they are heroes, and they are bitter in soul as a bereaved bear in a field, and thy father is a man of war, and doth not lodge with the people; <a href="/slt/2_samuel/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Hushai will say, Thou knewest thy father and his men that they are mighty, and they bitter of soul as a bear bereaved of offspring in the field: and thy father a man of war, and he will not lodge with the people.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And again Chusai said: Thou knowest thy father, and the men that are with him, that they are very valiant, and bitter in their mind, as a bear raging in the wood when her whelps are taken away: and thy father is a warrior, and will not lodge with the people. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And again Hushai declared, “You know your father, and the men who are with him, to be very strong and bitter in soul, comparable to a bear raging in the forest when her young have been taken away. Moreover, your father is a man of war, and so he will not live among the people. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/17.htm">New American Bible</a> And he went on to say: “You know that your father and his men are warriors, and that they are as fierce as a bear in the wild robbed of her cubs. Moreover, since your father is a skilled fighter, he will not spend the night with the army. <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Hushai continued, “You know that your father and his men are warriors, and that they are enraged, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field. Besides, your father is expert in war; he will not spend the night with the troops.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For said Hushai to Absalom. You know well that your father and his servants are mighty men, and they are furious as a bear that devours the prey in the field; moreover, your father is a man of war, and will not spend the night with the people. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Khushi said to him: “You are aware of your father and his Servants, that they are mighty men, enraged of soul like a bear that is wounded in the field, and your father is a man Warrior and does not spend the night beside the people<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Hushai said moreover: 'Thou knowest thy father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are embittered in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field; and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. <a href="/sep/2_samuel/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Chusi said, Thou knowest thy father and his men, that they are very mighty, and bitter in their spirit, as a bereaved bear in the field, and as a wild boar in the plain: and thy father is a man of war, and will not give the people rest. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/17-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=4800" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Hushai Counters Ahithophel's Advice</a> …7Hushai replied, “This time the advice of Ahithophel is not sound.” 8<a href="/hebrew/2365.htm" title="2365: ḥū·šay (N-proper-ms) -- Two Isr. From chuwsh; hasty; Chushai, an Israelite.">He</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.">continued,</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">“You</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">know</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">your father</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’ă·nā·šāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">and his men.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: hêm·māh (Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">They are</a> <a href="/hebrew/1368.htm" title="1368: ḡib·bō·rîm (Adj-mp) -- Strong, mighty. Or gibbor; intensive from the same as geber; powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant.">mighty men,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4751.htm" title="4751: ū·mā·rê (Conj-w:: Adj-mpc) -- Bitter, bitterness. Or marah; from marar; bitter; also bitterness, or bitterly.">and as fierce</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: ne·p̄eš (N-fs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: hêm·māh (Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7704.htm" title="7704: baś·śā·ḏeh (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Field, land. Or saday; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field.">as a wild</a> <a href="/hebrew/1677.htm" title="1677: kə·ḏōḇ (Prep-k:: N-fs) -- A bear. Or dowb; from dabab; the bear.">bear</a> <a href="/hebrew/7909.htm" title="7909: šak·kūl (Adj-ms) -- Childless. Or shakkul; from shakol; bereaved.">robbed of her cubs.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: wə·’ā·ḇî·ḵā (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 2ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">Moreover, your father is</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: mil·ḥā·māh (N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">of war</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">who will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3885.htm" title="3885: yā·lîn (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- Or liyn; a primitive root; to stop; by implication, to stay permanently; hence to be obstinate.">spend the night</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’eṯ- (Prep) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with</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 troops.</a> 9Surely by now he is hiding in a cave or some other location. If some of your troops fall first, whoever hears of it will say, ‘There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom.’…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">1 Samuel 17:34-36</a> David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, / I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. / Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” <a href="/1_samuel/18-27.htm">1 Samuel 18:27</a> David and his men went out and killed two hundred Philistines. He brought their foreskins and presented them as payment in full to become the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave his daughter Michal to David in marriage. <a href="/1_samuel/22-2.htm">1 Samuel 22:2</a> And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him. <a href="/1_samuel/23-13.htm">1 Samuel 23:13</a> Then David and his men, about six hundred strong, set out and departed from Keilah, moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he declined to go forth. <a href="/1_samuel/24-2.htm">1 Samuel 24:2</a> So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. <a href="/1_samuel/25-13.htm">1 Samuel 25:13</a> And David said to his men, “Strap on your swords!” So David and all his men strapped on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies. <a href="/1_samuel/30-8.htm">1 Samuel 30:8</a> and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” <a href="/1_chronicles/12-8.htm">1 Chronicles 12:8</a> Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were mighty men of valor, trained for battle, experts with the shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains: <a href="/judges/14-5.htm">Judges 14:5-6</a> Then Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother and came to the vineyards of Timnah. Suddenly a young lion came roaring at him, / and the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as one would tear a young goat. But he did not tell his father or mother what he had done. <a href="/judges/15-8.htm">Judges 15:8</a> And he struck them ruthlessly with a great slaughter, and then went down and stayed in the cave at the rock of Etam. <a href="/judges/15-15.htm">Judges 15:15-16</a> He found the fresh jawbone of a donkey, reached out his hand and took it, and struck down a thousand men. / Then Samson said: “With the jawbone of a donkey I have piled them into heaps. With the jawbone of a donkey I have slain a thousand men.” <a href="/psalms/18-34.htm">Psalm 18:34</a> He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. <a href="/psalms/144-1.htm">Psalm 144:1</a> Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. <a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a> Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. <a href="/matthew/11-12.htm">Matthew 11:12</a> From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subject to violence, and the violent lay claim to it.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For, said Hushai, you know your father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and your father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.mighty men<a href="/2_samuel/15-18.htm">2 Samuel 15:18</a> And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.<a href="/2_samuel/21-18.htm">2 Samuel 21:18-22</a> And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant… <a href="/2_samuel/23-8.htm">2 Samuel 23:8,9,16,18,20-22</a> These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time… <a href="/judges/18-25.htm">Judges 18:25</a> And the children of Dan said unto him, Let not thy voice be heard among us, lest angry fellows run upon thee, and thou lose thy life, with the lives of thy household.as a bear<a href="/2_kings/2-24.htm">2 Kings 2:24</a> And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.<a href="/proverbs/17-12.htm">Proverbs 17:12</a> Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.<a href="/proverbs/28-15.htm">Proverbs 28:15</a> As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.thy father is<a href="/1_samuel/23-23.htm">1 Samuel 23:23</a> See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/17-37.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-19.htm">Besides</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-26.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/nahum/2-12.htm">Cubs</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-6.htm">Embittered</a> <a href="/revelation/12-17.htm">Enraged</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-22.htm">Expert</a> <a href="/numbers/5-30.htm">Feelings</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-31.htm">Field</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-17.htm">Fierce</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-16.htm">Fighters</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-27.htm">Further</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-7.htm">Hushai</a> <a href="/judges/19-15.htm">Lodge</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-6.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/judges/19-30.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/judges/19-11.htm">Night's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-22.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-14.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/judges/9-25.htm">Robbed</a> <a href="/judges/20-4.htm">Spend</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-39.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-6.htm">War</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Warfare</a> <a href="/nahum/2-12.htm">Whelps</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm">Wild</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-2.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/17-13.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-32.htm">Besides</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-2.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/job/4-11.htm">Cubs</a> <a href="/job/27-2.htm">Embittered</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-11.htm">Enraged</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-35.htm">Expert</a> <a href="/esther/2-1.htm">Feelings</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-6.htm">Field</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-26.htm">Fierce</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-9.htm">Fighters</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/3-6.htm">Further</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-14.htm">Hushai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-16.htm">Lodge</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-10.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-15.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-13.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-16.htm">Night's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-16.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/psalms/7-4.htm">Robbed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-16.htm">Spend</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-16.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-3.htm">War</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-3.htm">Warfare</a> <a href="/job/4-11.htm">Whelps</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-39.htm">Wild</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-5.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 17</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">Ahithophel's counsel is overthrown by Hushai's</a> 15. <a href="/2_samuel/17-15.htm">Secret intelligence is sent unto David</a> 23. <a href="/2_samuel/17-23.htm">Ahithophel hangs himself</a> 25. <a href="/2_samuel/17-25.htm">Amasa is made captain</a> 27. <a href="/2_samuel/17-27.htm">David at Mahanaim is furnished with provisions</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>He continued, “You know your father and his men. This phrase refers to Hushai speaking to Absalom about David and his warriors. David's reputation as a formidable leader and warrior was well-known throughout Israel. His men, often referred to as "David's mighty men," were elite warriors who had proven themselves in numerous battles. This acknowledgment of their prowess serves to remind Absalom of the potential danger in underestimating them. The phrase also highlights the loyalty and skill of David's followers, which is a recurring theme in the narrative of David's life.They are mighty men, The term "mighty men" refers to David's elite group of warriors, known as the "Gibborim." These men were renowned for their strength, bravery, and loyalty. They are detailed in passages such as <a href="/2_samuel/23-8.htm">2 Samuel 23:8-39</a>, where their heroic deeds are recounted. This group included individuals like Josheb-Basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shammah, who performed extraordinary feats in battle. Their reputation would have been a significant psychological factor in any military engagement.and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. This simile emphasizes the ferocity and determination of David and his men. A bear robbed of her cubs is known for its aggressive and relentless nature, symbolizing the potential wrath and tenacity of David's forces. This imagery is used to convey the idea that David's men would fight with intense passion and desperation, making them formidable opponents. The use of such vivid imagery would have been a powerful rhetorical tool to instill caution in Absalom.Moreover, your father is a man of war David's identity as a "man of war" is well-established throughout the biblical narrative. From his victory over Goliath to his numerous military campaigns, David demonstrated strategic acumen and combat prowess. His experience and success in warfare were unmatched, making him a respected and feared military leader. This acknowledgment serves to remind Absalom of David's capability to outmaneuver and outfight his enemies.who will not spend the night with the troops. This phrase suggests David's strategic wisdom and caution. By not spending the night with the troops, David would avoid potential surprise attacks and maintain an element of unpredictability. This tactic reflects his understanding of warfare and his ability to adapt to changing circumstances. It also indicates his leadership style, which involved making calculated decisions to protect himself and his men. This strategic thinking is consistent with David's character throughout the biblical narrative, where he often seeks divine guidance and employs clever tactics to achieve victory.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/h/hushai_the_archite.htm">Hushai the Archite</a> A loyal friend and advisor to King David, who infiltrated Absalom's court to counteract the counsel of Ahithophel. 2. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel, known for his military prowess and deep relationship with God. At this time, he is fleeing from his son Absalom, who has usurped the throne. 3. <a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a> David's son, who has declared himself king and is seeking to solidify his power by pursuing David. 4. <a href="/topical/a/ahithophel.htm">Ahithophel</a> A former advisor to David, now advising Absalom. Known for his wise counsel, which was considered almost as if one had inquired of God. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness.htm">The Wilderness</a> The setting where David and his men are hiding, emphasizing the strategic and survivalist aspects of David's leadership.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wise_counsel.htm">The Importance of Wise Counsel</a> Hushai's advice demonstrates the power of strategic thinking and the importance of seeking wise counsel in times of crisis. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_enemy.htm">Understanding the Enemy</a> Recognizing the strengths and potential reactions of those we face can help us make informed decisions, as Hushai did by acknowledging David's capabilities. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_leadership.htm">God's Sovereignty in Leadership</a> Despite the turmoil, God's hand is evident in the unfolding events, reminding us that He is in control even when circumstances seem dire. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_reputation.htm">The Power of Reputation</a> David's established reputation as a warrior influences the decisions of others, highlighting the long-term impact of our actions and character. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_protection.htm">Trust in God's Protection</a> Like David, we can trust in God's protection and guidance, even when we are in the wilderness of life's challenges.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 17</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'called_by_his_purpose'_mean.htm">How is Jesus represented in each book of the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_absalom_reject_ahithophel's_advice.htm">If Hushai’s counsel (2 Samuel 17:7–14) was so clearly delayed and risky, why would Absalom reject Ahithophel’s seemingly superior military advice without further scrutiny?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_we_reconcile_swift_punishments.htm">How do we reconcile the swift punishments in 1 Kings 2:22-25 and 2:29-34 with David's emphasis on justice elsewhere, and is there historical evidence supporting these executions?</a> <a href="/q/how_many_did_david's_chief_kill_at_once.htm">The chief of the mighty men of David lifted up his spear and killed how many men at one time? Eight hundred (2 Samuel 23:8) Three hundred (I Chronicles 11: 11)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a> <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/17-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>[He] חוּשַׁ֗י (ḥū·šay) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2365.htm">Strong's 2365: </a> Hushai -- two Israelites continued, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “You אַתָּ֣ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you know יָ֠דַעְתָּ (yā·ḏa‘·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know your father אָבִ֨יךָ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father and his men. אֲנָשָׁ֜יו (’ă·nā·šāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person They [are] הֵ֗מָּה (hêm·māh) Pronoun - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> They mighty men, גִבֹּרִ֣ים (ḡib·bō·rîm) Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1368.htm">Strong's 1368: </a> Powerful, warrior, tyrant and as fierce וּמָרֵ֥י (ū·mā·rê) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4751.htm">Strong's 4751: </a> Bitter, bitterness, bitterly as a wild בַּשָּׂדֶ֑ה (baś·śā·ḏeh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7704.htm">Strong's 7704: </a> Field, land bear כְּדֹ֥ב (kə·ḏōḇ) Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1677.htm">Strong's 1677: </a> The bear robbed of her cubs. שַׁכּ֖וּל (šak·kūl) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7909.htm">Strong's 7909: </a> Childless Moreover, your father [is] וְאָבִ֙יךָ֙ (wə·’ā·ḇî·ḵā) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father a man אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person of war מִלְחָמָ֔ה (mil·ḥā·māh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> A battle, war who will not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no spend the night יָלִ֖ין (yā·lîn) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3885.htm">Strong's 3885: </a> To stop, to stay permanently, to be obstinate with אֶת־ (’eṯ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> Nearness, near, with, by, at, among the troops. הָעָֽם׃ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/17-8.htm">2 Samuel 17:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/17-8.htm">2 Samuel 17:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/17-8.htm">2 Samuel 17:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/17-8.htm">2 Samuel 17:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/17-8.htm">2 Samuel 17:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/17-8.htm">2 Samuel 17:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/17-8.htm">2 Samuel 17:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/17-8.htm">2 Samuel 17:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/17-8.htm">2 Samuel 17:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/17-8.htm">2 Samuel 17:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-8.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 17:8 Hushai said moreover You know your father (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/17-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 17:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 17:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/17-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 17:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 17:9" /></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>