King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 17:7 Mean?

2 Samuel 17:7 in the King James Version says “And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time. given: Heb. counselled” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 17:7 · KJV

Context

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

9

Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom. overthrown: Heb. fallen

Read 2 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time.

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
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר1 of 12

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חוּשַׁ֖י2 of 12

“And Hushai”

H2365

chushai, an israelite

אֶל3 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַבְשָׁל֑וֹם4 of 12

“unto Absalom”

H53

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

לֹֽא5 of 12
H3808

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

טוֹבָ֧ה6 of 12

“is not good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

הָֽעֵצָ֛ה7 of 12

“The counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

אֲשֶׁר8 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יָעַ֥ץ9 of 12

“hath given”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

אֲחִיתֹ֖פֶל10 of 12

“that Ahithophel”

H302

achithophel, an israelite

בַּפַּ֥עַם11 of 12

“at this time”

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

הַזֹּֽאת׃12 of 12
H2063

this (often used adverb)

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 17:7 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 17:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 31:8

Test Your Knowledge

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