King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 17:9 Mean?

2 Samuel 17:9 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 17:9 · KJV

Context

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

10

And he also that is valiant , whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.

11

Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person. that thou: Heb. that thy face, or, presence go, etc

Read 2 Samuel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 22 words
הִנֵּ֨ה1 of 22
H2009

lo!

עַתָּ֤ה2 of 22
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

הֽוּא3 of 22
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

נֶחְבָּא֙4 of 22

“Behold he is hid”

H2244

to secrete

בְּאַחַ֣ד5 of 22

“now in some”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

הַפְּחָתִ֔ים6 of 22

“pit”

H6354

a pit, especially for catching animals

א֖וֹ7 of 22
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בְּאַחַ֣ד8 of 22

“now in some”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

הַמְּקוֹמֹ֑ת9 of 22

“other place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

וְהָיָ֗ה10 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּנְפֹ֤ל11 of 22

“and it will come to pass when some of them be overthrown”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

בָּהֶם֙12 of 22
H0
בַּתְּחִלָּ֔ה13 of 22

“at the first”

H8462

a commencement; relatively original (adverb, -ly)

הַשֹּׁמֵ֙עַ֙14 of 22

“heareth”

H8085

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

הַשֹּׁמֵ֙עַ֙15 of 22

“heareth”

H8085

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

וְאָמַ֔ר16 of 22

“it will say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָֽיְתָה֙17 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מַגֵּפָ֔ה18 of 22

“There is a slaughter”

H4046

a pestilence; by analogy, defeat

בָּעָ֕ם19 of 22

“among the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲשֶׁ֖ר20 of 22
H834

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

אַֽחֲרֵ֥י21 of 22

“that follow”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אַבְשָׁלֹֽם׃22 of 22

“Absalom”

H53

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

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 17:9 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 17:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 7:51 Samuel 14:14-15Judges 20:32-331 Samuel 22:11 Samuel 24:3Joshua 8:6

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