King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 17:14 Mean?

2 Samuel 17:14 in the King James Version says “And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. appointed: Heb. commanded”

2 Samuel 17:14 · KJV

Context

12

So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of him and of all the men that are with him there shall not be left so much as one.

13

Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.

14

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. appointed: Heb. commanded

15

Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.

16

Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him.

Read 2 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 25 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 25

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם2 of 25

“And Absalom”

H53

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

וְכָל3 of 25
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אִ֣ישׁ4 of 25

“and all the 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)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל5 of 25

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הַטּוֹבָ֔ה6 of 25

“is better”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

עֲצַ֤ת7 of 25

“The counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

חוּשַׁ֣י8 of 25

“of Hushai”

H2365

chushai, an israelite

הָֽאַרְכִּ֔י9 of 25

“the Archite”

H757

an arkite or native of erek

עֲצַ֤ת10 of 25

“The counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

אֲחִיתֹ֙פֶל֙11 of 25

“of Ahithophel”

H302

achithophel, an israelite

יְהוָ֛ה12 of 25

“For the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צִוָּ֗ה13 of 25

“had appointed”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

לְהָפֵ֞ר14 of 25

“to defeat”

H6565

to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate

אֶת15 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֲצַ֤ת16 of 25

“The counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

אֲחִיתֹ֙פֶל֙17 of 25

“of Ahithophel”

H302

achithophel, an israelite

הַטּוֹבָ֔ה18 of 25

“is better”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

לְבַֽעֲב֗וּר19 of 25

“to the intent”

H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

הָבִ֧יא20 of 25

“might bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

יְהוָ֛ה21 of 25

“For the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל22 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם23 of 25

“And Absalom”

H53

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

אֶת24 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָֽרָעָֽה׃25 of 25

“evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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 17:14 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 17:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 15:341 Corinthians 1:19-20Isaiah 8:10Proverbs 19:211 Corinthians 3:19Proverbs 21:30

Test Your Knowledge

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

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