King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 17:5 Mean?

2 Samuel 17:5 in the King James Version says “Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith. what: Heb. what is in his m... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith. what: Heb. what is in his mouth

2 Samuel 17:5 · KJV


Context

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

7

And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time. given: Heb. counselled


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.

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 · 12 words
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙1 of 12

Then said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם2 of 12

Absalom

H53

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

קְרָ֣א3 of 12

Call

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

נָ֔א4 of 12
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

גַּ֖ם5 of 12
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

לְחוּשַׁ֣י6 of 12

now Hushai

H2365

chushai, an israelite

הָֽאַרְכִּ֑י7 of 12

the Archite

H757

an arkite or native of erek

וְנִשְׁמְעָ֥ה8 of 12

also and let us hear

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

מַה9 of 12
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

בְּפִ֖יו10 of 12

likewise what he saith

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

גַּם11 of 12
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הֽוּא׃12 of 12
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo


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 17:5 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 17:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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