King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 17:23 Mean?

2 Samuel 17:23 in the King James Version says “And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house,...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 17:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man's son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother.

Read 2 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 23 words
וַֽאֲחִיתֹ֣פֶל1 of 23

“And when Ahithophel”

H302

achithophel, an israelite

רָאָ֗ה2 of 23

“saw”

H7200

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

כִּ֣י3 of 23
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֣א4 of 23
H3808

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

נֶֽעֶשְׂתָה֮5 of 23

“was not followed”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עֲצָתוֹ֒6 of 23

“that his counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

וַיַּֽחֲבֹ֣שׁ7 of 23

“he saddled”

H2280

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

אֶֽת8 of 23
H853

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

הַחֲמ֗וֹר9 of 23

“his ass”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

וַיָּ֜קָם10 of 23

“and arose”

H6965

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

וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ11 of 23

“and gat him home”

H3212

to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)

אֶל12 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּית֖וֹ13 of 23

“and put his household”

H1004

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

אֶל14 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עִיר֔וֹ15 of 23

“to his city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַיְצַ֥ו16 of 23

“in order”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶל17 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּית֖וֹ18 of 23

“and put his household”

H1004

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

וַיֵּֽחָנַ֑ק19 of 23

“and hanged”

H2614

to be narrow; by implication, to throttle, or (reflexive) to choke oneself to death (by a rope)

וַיָּ֕מָת20 of 23

“himself and died”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וַיִּקָּבֵ֖ר21 of 23

“and was buried”

H6912

to inter

בְּקֶ֥בֶר22 of 23

“in the sepulchre”

H6913

a sepulcher

אָבִֽיו׃23 of 23

“of his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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 17:23 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 17:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 27:52 Kings 20:12 Samuel 15:121 Kings 16:18Psalms 5:102 Samuel 15:31

Test Your Knowledge

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

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