King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 17:15 Mean?

2 Samuel 17:15 in the King James Version says “Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 17:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.

Read 2 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 20 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 20

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חוּשַׁ֗י2 of 20

“Hushai”

H2365

chushai, an israelite

אֶל3 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

צָד֤וֹק4 of 20

“unto Zadok”

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

וְאֶל5 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶבְיָתָר֙6 of 20

“and to Abiathar”

H54

ebjathar, an israelite

הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים7 of 20

“the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

כָּזֹ֣את8 of 20
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְכָזֹ֗את9 of 20
H2063

this (often used adverb)

יָעַ֥צְתִּי10 of 20

“and thus and thus have I counselled”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

אֲחִיתֹ֙פֶל֙11 of 20

“Thus and thus did Ahithophel”

H302

achithophel, an israelite

אֶת12 of 20
H853

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

אַבְשָׁלֹ֔ם13 of 20

“Absalom”

H53

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

וְאֵ֖ת14 of 20
H853

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

זִקְנֵ֣י15 of 20

“and the elders”

H2205

old

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל16 of 20

“of Israel”

H3478

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

וְכָזֹ֥את17 of 20
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְכָזֹ֖את18 of 20
H2063

this (often used adverb)

יָעַ֥צְתִּי19 of 20

“and thus and thus have I counselled”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

אָֽנִי׃20 of 20
H589

i

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 17:15 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 17:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 15:35-36

Test Your Knowledge

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

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