King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 17:18 Mean?

2 Samuel 17:18 in the King James Version says “Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bah...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.”

2 Samuel 17:18 · KJV

Context

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.

18

Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.

19

And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known.

20

And when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.

Read 2 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.

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 · 18 words
וַיַּ֤רְא1 of 18

“saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֹתָם֙2 of 18
H853

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

נַ֔עַר3 of 18

“Nevertheless a lad”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

וַיַּגֵּ֖ד4 of 18

“them and told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְאַבְשָׁלֹ֑ם5 of 18

“Absalom”

H53

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

וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֩6 of 18
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

שְׁנֵיהֶ֨ם7 of 18

“both”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

מְהֵרָ֜ה8 of 18

“of them away quickly”

H4120

properly, a hurry; hence (adverbially) promptly

וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ׀9 of 18

“and came”

H935

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

אֶל10 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּֽית11 of 18

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אִ֣ישׁ12 of 18

“to a man's”

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)

בְּבַֽחוּרִ֗ים13 of 18

“in Bahurim”

H980

bachurim, a place in palestine

וְל֥וֹ14 of 18
H0
בְאֵ֛ר15 of 18

“which had a well”

H875

a pit; especially a well

בַּֽחֲצֵר֖וֹ16 of 18

“in his court”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

וַיֵּ֥רְדוּ17 of 18

“they went down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

שָֽׁם׃18 of 18

“whither”

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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 17:18 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 17:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 3:162 Samuel 16:52 Samuel 19:16

Places in This Verse

BahurimSettlement · Modern: Ras Tumeim · 31.79°N, 35.26°E7 verses across 3 books
En-rogelSpring · Modern: Bir Ayub · 31.77°N, 35.24°E6 verses across 3 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 17 →

Test Your Knowledge

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

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