King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 17:6 Mean?

2 Samuel 17:6 in the King James Version says “And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we ... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 17:6 · KJV


Context

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

8

For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. chafed: Heb. bitter of soul


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 19 words
וַיָּבֹ֣א1 of 19

was come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

חוּשַׁי֮2 of 19

And when Hushai

H2365

chushai, an israelite

אֶל3 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַבְשָׁל֨וֹם4 of 19

Absalom

H53

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

לֵאמֹ֗ר5 of 19

spake

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַבְשָׁל֨וֹם6 of 19

Absalom

H53

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

אֵלָ֜יו7 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֵאמֹ֗ר8 of 19

spake

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דְּבָר֑וֹ9 of 19

after his saying

H1697

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

הַזֶּה֙10 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

דַבֵּֽר׃11 of 19

hath spoken

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֲחִיתֹ֔פֶל12 of 19

Ahithophel

H302

achithophel, an israelite

הֲנַֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה13 of 19

shall we do

H6213

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

אֶת14 of 19
H853

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

דְּבָר֑וֹ15 of 19

after his saying

H1697

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

אִם16 of 19
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אַ֖יִן17 of 19
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אַתָּ֥ה18 of 19
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

דַבֵּֽר׃19 of 19

hath spoken

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue


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 17:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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