2 Samuel 17:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: So we shall come upon him in some place where he is to be found, and we shall light upon him as the dew falls on the ground, and of him and all the men with him not one will be left.

NIV: Then we will attack him wherever he may be found, and we will fall on him as dew settles on the ground. Neither he nor any of his men will be left alive.

NASB: Then we will come to him in one of the places where he can be found, and we will fall on him just as the dew falls on the ground; and of him and of all the men who are with him, not even one will be left.

CSB: Then we will attack David wherever we find him, and we will descend on him like dew on the ground. Not even one will be left—neither he nor any of the men with him.

NLT: When we find David, we’ll fall on him like dew that falls on the ground. Then neither he nor any of his men will be left alive.

KJV: So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of him and of all the men that are with him there shall not be left so much as one.

NKJV: So we will come upon him in some place where he may be found, and we will fall on him as the dew falls on the ground. And of him and all the men who are with him there shall not be left so much as one.

Ahithophel helped Absalom take Israel from David. Now he wants to make sure Absalom keeps it. He's suggested a focused attack: only David would die. Then the soldiers under his command would escort David's demoralized fighting men and servants back to Jerusalem, where they would probably swear allegiance to Absalom (2 Samuel 17:1–3).

Absalom and the elders think it's a good plan—which it is. Ahithophel is one of the wisest men in Israel (2 Samuel 16:23; 17:4). Still, Absalom asks Hushai to make sure (2 Samuel 17:5–6). Hushai had been David's good friend, but when Absalom took the throne, Hushai claimed to have changed loyalties (2 Samuel 16:16–19).

Hushai first explains that David and his men are fierce and experienced fighters. He knows how to hide from his enemies. So far, Absalom's coup has been bloodless, but the first time Ahithophel's men see combat, they'll melt in fear (2 Samuel 17:5–10). This leverages Absalom's inexperience and insecurity.

Now, Hushai plays on Absalom's pride. He rode around Jerusalem in a chariot with fifty men running before him as if he were a conquering hero (2 Samuel 15:1–6). If he can gather a big enough army to take out David's fighters, he can make that image a reality.

Ahithophel's advice is the best plan for Absalom. Hushai's advice is the best plan for David. Hushai is only there because David asked him to infiltrate Absalom's court and thwart Ahithophel's plans (2 Samuel 15:32–37). The new plan stalls for time so Hushai can warn David to get his people across the Jordan River and into safety (2 Samuel 16:14).

More importantly, Hushai's plan serves God's purposes. God causes Absalom and the elders to reject Ahithophel's counsel because He wants to destroy Absalom and Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:14). Their rebellion was part of God's curse on David for his sin against Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Samuel 12:9–12). Now that the curse has been fulfilled, they will be judged for their sin against David.

Second Samuel 17:11–14 describes how Hushai makes a poor plan sound brilliant. David and his people are on the run from Absalom's rebellion. Ahithophel wants to strike fast, kill only David, and bring the people back to serve Absalom. Hushai reminds the council of David's reputation in war (2 Samuel 17:1–10). He says Absalom should gather more men from all the tribes and lead them into battle. Absalom agrees to this tactical blunder because it was God's intent to thwart Ahithophel's influence. Hushai will send word to David through the priests to cross the river to safety in Ammon. Ahithophel realizes David is going to win and will commit suicide (2 Samuel 17:15–29).

David's cunning plan to thwart Absalom works. David enlisted Hushai's help to counter Ahithophel's advice (2 Samuel 15:31–37). Ahithophel wants to take a small force and move immediately to kill only David while he is still fleeing. Hushai suggests they wait, gather a larger army, and destroy David's men. Absalom agrees with Hushai. Hushai sends warnings through the priests and their sons, and David and his people safely cross the Jordan River. As Absalom reaches the Jordan, local leaders care for the exiles. David's army has time to get organized and prepare for battle (2 Samuel 18:1–15).

God's prior instruments of judgment see justice done to themselves. Absalom and Ahithophel rebelled against David, but now God's curses against David are complete (2 Samuel 12:9–13; 16:13, 20–23). The advisor Ahithophel watches helplessly as David's spy Hushai undermines his authority. Seeing the end, Ahithophel kills himself. Hushai helps David and his people to flee to safety. David has time to organize his fighting forces and send them into battle. In one day, they defeat Absalom's army. Against David's will, they also kill Absalom (2 Samuel 18:1–15). Now, David must do the hard work of reconciling the nation.