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For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/17-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/10_2Sa_17_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 17:14 - Hushai Counters Ahithophel's Advice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel. 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For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/17.htm">New King James Version</a> So Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring disaster on Absalom. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had ordained to foil the good advice of Ahithophel, in order for the LORD to bring disaster on Absalom. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, &#8220The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.&#8221 For the LORD had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the LORD might bring calamity on Absalom. <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, in order that the LORD might bring calamity on Absalom. <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For Yahweh had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that Yahweh might bring calamity on Absalom. <a href="/amp/2_samuel/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had ordained to thwart the good advice of Ahithophel, so that the LORD could bring disaster upon Absalom. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Since the LORD had decreed that Ahithophel’s good advice be undermined in order to bring about Absalom’s ruin, Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than Ahithophel’s advice.” <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Since the LORD had decreed that Ahithophel&#8217s good advice be undermined in order to bring about Absalom&#8217s ruin, Absalom and all the men of Israel said, &#8220The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than Ahithophel&#8217s advice.&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_samuel/17.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For Jehovah had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that Jehovah might bring evil upon Absalom. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Absalom and the others liked Hushai's plan better than Ahithophel's plan. This was because the LORD had decided to keep Ahithophel's plan from working and to cause trouble for Absalom. <a href="/erv/2_samuel/17.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Absalom and all the people of Israel said, "The advice of Hushai from Archi's family is better than Ahithophel's advice." (The LORD had commanded Ahithophel's good advice to be defeated in order to ruin Absalom.) <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/17.htm">Good News Translation</a> Absalom and all the Israelites said, "Hushai's advice is better than Ahithophel's." The LORD had decided that Ahithophel's good advice would not be followed, so that disaster would come on Absalom. <a href="/isv/2_samuel/17.htm">International Standard Version</a> Absalom and all of the Israelis replied, "The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than Ahithophel's!" But the LORD had planned to circumvent the sound advice of Ahithophel so the LORD could bring Absalom to destruction. <a href="/msb/2_samuel/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, ?The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.? For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. <a href="/net/2_samuel/17.htm">NET Bible</a> Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, "The advice of Hushai the Arkite sounds better than the advice of Ahithophel." Now the LORD had decided to frustrate the sound advice of Ahithophel, so that the LORD could bring disaster on Absalom. <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then Absalom and all Israel said, "The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel." For the LORD had commanded that Ahithophel?s counsel should be defeated, so that that the LORD could bring Absalom to ruin. <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom. <a href="/web/2_samuel/17.htm">World English Bible</a> Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For Yahweh had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that Yahweh might bring evil on Absalom. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Absalom says—and all the men of Israel, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite [is] better than the counsel of Ahithophel”; and YHWH willed to make void the good counsel of Ahithophel for the sake of YHWH’s bringing the calamity to Absalom. <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Absalom saith -- and all the men of Israel -- 'Better is the counsel of Hushai the Archite than the counsel of Ahithophel;' and Jehovah willed to make void the good counsel of Ahithophel for the sake of Jehovah's bringing unto Absalom the evil. <a href="/slt/2_samuel/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Absalom will say, and every man of Israel, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is good above the counsel of Ahithophel. And Jehovah commanded to frustrate the good counsel of Ahithophel so that Jehovah brought evil upon Absalom.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Absalom, and all the men of Israel said: The counsel of Chusai the Arachite is better than the counsel of Achitophel: and by the will of the Lord the profitable counsel of Achitophel was defeated, that the Lord might bring evil upon Absalom. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Absalom, with all the men of Israel, said: “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” So, by an act of the Lord, the useful counsel of Ahithophel was defeated, in order that the Lord might lead evil over Absalom. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/17.htm">New American Bible</a> Then Absalom and all the Israelites said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had commanded that Ahithophel’s good counsel should be thwarted, so that he might bring Absalom to ruin. <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the LORD might bring ruin on Absalom.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had decreed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel so that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Abishlum and all Israel said: “The counsel of Khushi the Arkite is better than the counsel of Akhithuphel!”, and LORD JEHOVAH commanded to nullify the good advice of Akhithuphel, because LORD JEHOVAH would bring evil against Abishlum<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Absalom and all the men of Israel said: 'The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.'--For the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom. <a href="/sep/2_samuel/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Abessalom, and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Chusi the Arachite is better than the counsel of Achitophel. For the Lord ordained to disconcert the good counsel of Achitophel, that the Lord might bring all evil upon Abessalom. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/17-14.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=4880" 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> …13If he retreats to a city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not even a pebble can be found.” 14<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.">Then Absalom</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵāl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">and all</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.">the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6098.htm" title="6098: ‘ă·ṣaṯ (N-fsc) -- Counsel, advice. From ya'ats; advice; by implication, plan; also prudence.">“The advice</a> <a href="/hebrew/2365.htm" title="2365: ḥū·šay (N-proper-ms) -- Two Isr. From chuwsh; hasty; Chushai, an Israelite.">of Hushai</a> <a href="/hebrew/757.htm" title="757: hā·’ar·kî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- A native of a place in Pal. Patrial from another place of similar name with 'Erek; an Arkite or native of Erek.">the Archite</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·w·ḇāh (Adj-fs) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">is better</a> <a href="/hebrew/6098.htm" title="6098: mê·‘ă·ṣaṯ (Prep-m:: N-fsc) -- Counsel, advice. From ya'ats; advice; by implication, plan; also prudence.">than that</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/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">For the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/6680.htm" title="6680: ṣiw·wāh (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">had purposed</a> <a href="/hebrew/6565.htm" title="6565: lə·hā·p̄êr (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To break up, to violate, frustrate. A primitive root; to break up">to thwart</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: haṭ·ṭō·w·ḇāh (Art:: Adj-fs) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">the good</a> <a href="/hebrew/6098.htm" title="6098: ‘ă·ṣaṯ (N-fsc) -- Counsel, advice. From ya'ats; advice; by implication, plan; also prudence.">counsel</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/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5668.htm" title="5668: lə·ḇa·‘ă·ḇūr (Prep-l, Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Or rabur; passive participle of abar; properly, crossed, i.e. transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that.">in order to</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: hā·ḇî (V-Hifil-Inf) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">bring</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: hā·rā·‘āh (Art:: Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">disaster</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">on</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.">Absalom.</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <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="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</a> Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail. <a href="/isaiah/8-10.htm">Isaiah 8:10</a> Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us.” <a href="/job/5-12.htm">Job 5:12</a> He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success. <a href="/psalms/33-10.htm">Psalm 33:10-11</a> The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples. / The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations. <a href="/isaiah/14-27.htm">Isaiah 14:27</a> The LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is outstretched, so who can turn it back? <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a> And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. <a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a> As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. <a href="/acts/4-27.htm">Acts 4:27-28</a> In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. / They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-19.htm">1 Corinthians 1:19-20</a> 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? <a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10</a> I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ <a href="/jeremiah/10-23.htm">Jeremiah 10:23</a> I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps. <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9</a> A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. <a href="/ephesians/1-11.htm">Ephesians 1:11</a> In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will, <a href="/lamentations/3-37.htm">Lamentations 3:37</a> Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it? <a href="/daniel/4-35.htm">Daniel 4:35</a> All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil on Absalom.the Lord<a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">2 Samuel 15:31</a> And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.<a href="/genesis/32-28.htm">Genesis 32:28</a> And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.<a href="/exodus/9-16.htm">Exodus 9:16</a> And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.appointed [heb] commanded<a href="/psalms/33-9.htm">Psalm 33:9,10</a> For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast… <a href="/lamentations/3-37.htm">Lamentations 3:37</a> Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?<a href="/amos/9-3.htm">Amos 9:3</a> And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them:to defeat<a href="/2_samuel/15-34.htm">2 Samuel 15:34</a> But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.<a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">2 Samuel 16:23</a> And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.<a href="/job/5-12.htm">Job 5:12-14</a> He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise… good counsel<a href="/luke/16-8.htm">Luke 16:8</a> And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/17-9.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-7.htm">Ahithophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-4.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-5.htm">Archite</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-32.htm">Better</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-11.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-34.htm">Defeat</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-14.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-7.htm">Good</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-8.htm">Hushai</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Intent</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-13.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/28-6.htm">Ordained</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/17-15.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-15.htm">Ahithophel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-1.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-35.htm">Archite</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-3.htm">Better</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-15.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/2_kings/13-19.htm">Defeat</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-32.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-4.htm">Good</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-15.htm">Hushai</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-19.htm">Intent</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-15.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-32.htm">Ordained</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>Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, This phrase sets the scene with Absalom, David's son, who has usurped the throne. The "men of Israel" refers to the leaders and elders who supported Absalom's rebellion. This moment is critical as it reflects the collective decision-making process during a time of political upheaval. The unity in their statement indicates a temporary consensus among Absalom's followers, highlighting the tension between loyalty to David and the allure of Absalom's charisma.“The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” Hushai the Archite was a loyal friend of David who infiltrated Absalom's court to act as a spy. His advice was strategically designed to counter Ahithophel, who was known for his wise counsel. Ahithophel's advice was typically regarded as if one had inquired of the word of God, indicating his high reputation. The preference for Hushai's counsel over Ahithophel's marks a pivotal moment, as it reflects divine intervention in the political affairs of Israel. This decision would ultimately lead to Absalom's downfall, showcasing the sovereignty of God over human plans.For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel This phrase reveals the divine orchestration behind the events. Despite Ahithophel's reputation for giving sound advice, the LORD intervened to ensure that his counsel would not be followed. This demonstrates the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and His ability to influence human decisions to fulfill His purposes. It echoes <a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</a>, which states, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails." The thwarting of Ahithophel's counsel serves as a reminder that God's plans are ultimately unstoppable.in order to bring disaster on Absalom. The disaster refers to the eventual defeat and death of Absalom, which was a consequence of his rebellion against his father, King David. This outcome fulfills the judgment pronounced by Nathan the prophet in <a href="/2_samuel/12-10.htm">2 Samuel 12:10-12</a>, where God declared that calamity would arise from David's own household as a result of his sin with Bathsheba. Absalom's rebellion and its tragic end serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. This also typologically points to the ultimate triumph of God's anointed king, prefiguring the victory of Jesus Christ over all rebellion and sin.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a> The son of King David who rebelled against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. 2. <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. 3. <a href="/topical/a/ahithophel.htm">Ahithophel</a> A highly esteemed counselor whose advice was considered almost as if one had consulted the word of God. He initially sided with Absalom during the rebellion. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> The sovereign God of Israel, who intervenes in the affairs of men to fulfill His divine purposes. 5. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation over which David was king and which Absalom sought to rule through rebellion.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_sovereignty.htm">Divine Sovereignty</a> God's plans will always prevail, even when human wisdom seems insurmountable. Trust in His ultimate control over all situations. <a href="/topical/l/loyalty_and_wisdom.htm">Loyalty and Wisdom</a> Hushai's loyalty to David and his wise counsel demonstrate the importance of faithfulness and discernment in serving God's purposes. <a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_rebellion.htm">The Futility of Rebellion</a> Absalom's rebellion against God's anointed king serves as a warning against opposing God's established order. <a href="/topical/g/god's_protection.htm">God's Protection</a> Just as God protected David through Hushai's counsel, He provides protection and guidance to those who seek Him. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_pride.htm">The Consequences of Pride</a> Absalom's downfall is a reminder of the dangers of pride and ambition that are not aligned with God's will.<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/do_2_samuel_17_and_1_chronicles_align.htm">Is there any inconsistency between 2 Samuel 17’s account of David’s escape and the details in 1 Chronicles, or do the narratives fully align when examined closely?</a> <a href="/q/is_there_evidence_for_ahithophel's_plan.htm">In 2 Samuel 17:1–4, is there any archaeological evidence or external record supporting Ahithophel’s plan to immediately strike David, or is this strategy purely literary?</a> <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/why_is_ahithophel's_suicide_unique.htm">Why does 2 Samuel 17:23 describe Ahithophel’s suicide differently from any later biblical references to suicides, and are there historical precedents for such a response?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 14. - The counsel of Hushai is better. It seemed safer. Nothing in it was left to chance, and Absalom, already at the head of such numbers as to be able to select from them twelve thousand picked men, saw himself, in fancy, marching forward with all Israel at his feet. As a matter of fact, he did advance with so large an army that David was saved only by the skilful strategy of Joab. Like other king makers, Ahithophel had put himself too forward. He asked for twelve thousand men to be placed under his command, that he might smite David, and so be, not only Absalom's counsellor, but also his commander-in-chief. Amasa and the other commanders would be displeased at this, and Absalom would feel that he was himself placed in a very secondary position. Ahithophel may have asked for the command solely because no one's presence would so ensure success as his own, but he wounded the vanity beth of Absalom and Amasa, and made them ready to listen to any other advice that might be offered. The Lord had appointed; literally, and Jehovah had commanded to bring to nought, etc. So plain did it seem to the writer that Absalom's success depended upon rapid action, that nothing less than the direct interference of the Divine providence could account for the infatuation of Absalom and his counsellors. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/17-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then Absalom אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙ (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_53.htm">Strong's 53: </a> Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites and all וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the men 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 Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc said, וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (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 “The advice עֲצַת֙ (‘ă·ṣaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6098.htm">Strong's 6098: </a> Advice, plan, prudence of Hushai חוּשַׁ֣י (ḥū·šay) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2365.htm">Strong's 2365: </a> Hushai -- two Israelites the Archite הָאַרְכִּ֔י (hā·’ar·kî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_757.htm">Strong's 757: </a> Archite -- a native of a place in Palestine [is] better טוֹבָ֗ה (ṭō·w·ḇāh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good than [that] מֵעֲצַ֖ת (mê·‘ă·ṣaṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6098.htm">Strong's 6098: </a> Advice, plan, prudence of Ahithophel.” אֲחִיתֹ֑פֶל (’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_302.htm">Strong's 302: </a> Ahithophel -- an adviser of David For the LORD וַיהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel had purposed צִוָּ֗ה (ṣiw·wāh) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order to thwart לְהָפֵ֞ר (lə·hā·p̄êr) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6565.htm">Strong's 6565: </a> To break up, to violate, frustrate the good הַטּוֹבָ֔ה (haṭ·ṭō·w·ḇāh) Article | Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good counsel עֲצַ֤ת (‘ă·ṣaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6098.htm">Strong's 6098: </a> Advice, plan, prudence of Ahithophel, אֲחִיתֹ֙פֶל֙ (’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_302.htm">Strong's 302: </a> Ahithophel -- an adviser of David in order to לְבַעֲב֗וּר (lə·ḇa·‘ă·ḇūr) Preposition-l, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5668.htm">Strong's 5668: </a> Crossed, transit, on account of, in order that bring הָבִ֧יא (hā·ḇî) Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go disaster הָרָעָֽה׃ (hā·rā·‘āh) Article | Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> Bad, evil on אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Absalom. אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_53.htm">Strong's 53: </a> Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/17-14.htm">2 Samuel 17:14 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/17-14.htm">2 Samuel 17:14 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/17-14.htm">2 Samuel 17:14 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/17-14.htm">2 Samuel 17:14 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/17-14.htm">2 Samuel 17:14 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/17-14.htm">2 Samuel 17:14 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/17-14.htm">2 Samuel 17:14 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/17-14.htm">2 Samuel 17:14 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/17-14.htm">2 Samuel 17:14 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/17-14.htm">2 Samuel 17:14 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-14.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 17:14 Absalom and all the men of Israel (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/17-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 17:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 17:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/17-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 17:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 17:15" /></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>