King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 17:4 Mean?

2 Samuel 17:4 in the King James Version says “And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel. pleased: Heb. was right in the eyes of, etc” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel. pleased: Heb. was right in the eyes of, etc”

2 Samuel 17:4 · KJV

Context

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

6

And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou. his saying: Heb. his word

Read 2 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.

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 · 8 words
וַיִּישַׁ֥ר1 of 8

“pleased”

H3474

to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous

הַדָּבָ֖ר2 of 8

“And the saying”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

וּבְעֵינֵ֖י3 of 8

“well”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

אַבְשָׁלֹ֑ם4 of 8

“Absalom”

H53

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

וּבְעֵינֵ֖י5 of 8

“well”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

כָּל6 of 8
H3605

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

זִקְנֵ֥י7 of 8

“and all the elders”

H2205

old

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃8 of 8

“of Israel”

H3478

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

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 17:4 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 17:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 5:14Esther 1:21Romans 1:321 Samuel 18:20-211 Samuel 23:212 Chronicles 30:4

Test Your Knowledge

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

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