King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 17:22 Mean?

2 Samuel 17:22 in the King James Version says “Then David arose, and all the people that were with him, and they passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked ... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then David arose, and all the people that were with him, and they passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan.

2 Samuel 17:22 · KJV


Context

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.

21

And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told king David, and said unto David, Arise, and pass quickly over the water: for thus hath Ahithophel counselled against you.

22

Then David arose, and all the people that were with him, and they passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan.

23

And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father. followed: Heb. done put his: Heb. gave charge concerning his house

24

Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then David arose, and all the people that were with him, and they passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan.

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 · 21 words
וַיָּ֣קָם1 of 21

arose

H6965

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

דָּוִ֗ד2 of 21

Then David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְכָל3 of 21
H3605

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

הָעָם֙4 of 21

and all the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אִתּ֔וֹ6 of 21
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

עָבַ֖ר7 of 21

of them that was not gone over

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֶת8 of 21
H853

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

הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃9 of 21

Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

עַד10 of 21
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

א֣וֹר11 of 21

light

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

הַבֹּ֗קֶר12 of 21

by the morning

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

עַד13 of 21
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אַחַד֙14 of 21

not one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לֹ֣א15 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נֶעְדָּ֔ר16 of 21

there lacked

H5737

to arrange, as a battle, a vineyard (to hoe); hence, to muster and so to miss (or find wanting)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא18 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עָבַ֖ר19 of 21

of them that was not gone over

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֶת20 of 21
H853

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

הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃21 of 21

Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine


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 17:22 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 17:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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