King James Version
What Does 2 Samuel 17:3 Mean?
“And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.”
2 Samuel 17:3 · KJV
Context
1
Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:
2
And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:
3
And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.
4
And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel. pleased: Heb. was right in the eyes of, etc
5
Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith. what: Heb. what is in his mouth
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.
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.
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
- How does this passage deepen your understanding of divine providence over human wisdom?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
- In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 14 wordsכְּשׁ֣וּב1 of 14
“And I will bring back”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
כָל2 of 14
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֖ם3 of 14
“all the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
כְּשׁ֣וּב5 of 14
“And I will bring back”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
הַכֹּ֔ל6 of 14
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָאִישׁ֙7 of 14
“unto thee the man”
H376a 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)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 14
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מְבַקֵּ֔שׁ10 of 14
“whom thou seekest”
H1245to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
כָּל11 of 14
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֖ם12 of 14
“all the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
יִֽהְיֶ֥ה13 of 14
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שָׁלֽוֹם׃14 of 14
“shall be in peace”
H7965safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
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 17:3 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 17:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge