King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 17:1 Mean?

2 Samuel 17:1 in the King James Version says “Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after Davi...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:”

2 Samuel 17:1 · KJV

Context

1

Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:

2

And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:

3

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.

Read 2 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:

This verse contributes to the narrative of Competing Counsel, emphasizing divine providence over human wisdom. The contrast between Ahithophel's shrewd counsel and Hushai's divinely-blessed alternative demonstrates God's providential control over human wisdom. The text explicitly states "the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel" (v. 14), emphasizing divine sovereignty. Ahithophel's suicide demonstrates despair when human wisdom fails. Theological themes include God's sovereignty over human planning, divine protection of His anointed, and the inadequacy of worldly wisdom apart from God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 17 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding divine providence over human wisdom provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of divine providence over human wisdom?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר1 of 15

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲחִיתֹ֖פֶל2 of 15

“Moreover Ahithophel”

H302

achithophel, an israelite

אֶל3 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַבְשָׁלֹ֑ם4 of 15

“unto Absalom”

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

אֶבְחֲרָ֣ה5 of 15

“Let me now choose out”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

נָּ֗א6 of 15
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

שְׁנֵים7 of 15

“twelve”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עָשָׂ֥ר8 of 15
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

אֶ֙לֶף֙9 of 15

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

אִ֔ישׁ10 of 15

“men”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וְאָק֛וּמָה11 of 15

“and I will arise”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וְאֶרְדְּפָ֥ה12 of 15

“and pursue”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

אַֽחֲרֵי13 of 15

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

דָוִ֖ד14 of 15

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

הַלָּֽיְלָה׃15 of 15

“this night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 17:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 17:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 59:7-8Proverbs 4:16Psalms 3:3-5Psalms 4:8Psalms 109:2-4Proverbs 1:16

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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