2 Samuel 17:28 - Printer Friendly

ESV: brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans and lentils,

NIV: brought bedding and bowls and articles of pottery. They also brought wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans and lentils,

NASB: brought beds, basins, pottery, wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, roasted seeds,

CSB: brought beds, basins, and pottery items. They also brought wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils,

NLT: They brought sleeping mats, cooking pots, serving bowls, wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans, lentils,

KJV: Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,

NKJV: brought beds and basins, earthen vessels and wheat, barley and flour, parched grain and beans, lentils and parched seeds,

David reacted to his son Absalom's coup as if he had extraordinarily little warning. Absalom asked to go to Hebron to sacrifice to God and fulfill a debt. David didn't know Absalom spent four years winning the hearts of the people and planning his rebellion. In Hebron, he declared himself king and led a large contingent toward Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:1–12).

The last thing David wanted was a war within the city walls. As soon as he heard about Absalom, he scrambled his servants to grab what they could and run. His two units of Philistine bodyguards came with him as well as the Philistine militia he'd only just hired (2 Samuel 15:18–23). Somewhere along the way, Abishai and the mighty men joined them (2 Samuel 16:6, 9). They made it to the near side of a ford across the Jordan River, exhausted, and waited, not knowing if they needed to cross or if Absalom would give them time to rest (2 Samuel 16:14).

Soon, David's network of spies proved successful. Messengers arrived, warning them to cross immediately. By dawn the next day, they were over (2 Samuel 17:21–22). They continued, north and east, to Mahanaim on the eastern border of Israel. Finally, they can recover physically. The son of the late king of Ammon and Mephibosheth's former patron give them encouragement. Even better, the old man Barzillai brings everything they need. In addition to beds, washing basins, grains, and lentils, he provides honey, curds, cheese, and even sheep (2 Samuel 17:29).

This is desperately needed rest. Absalom has crossed the Jordan with his army and set up camp (2 Samuel 17:24). Once the men have slept and eaten, David divides his fighting men into groups of thousands under the command of Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, the Philistine mercenary leader. They won't let David come so that he will be safe no matter what the outcome. He sends them off and waits at the city gate for word of the battle (2 Samuel 18:1–4).

Second Samuel 17:24–29 records Israel preparing for civil war. Absalom has taken Jerusalem. David's friends sabotaged Absalom's planning so David's people can reach Mahanaim. There, allies greet them with beds and food. Despite the delay, Absalom and his army are encamped on the west side of the Jordan River, ready for war. The battle will last one day. At the end, thousands will be dead, including Absalom (2 Samuel 18:1–15). David will have to heal a nation Absalom spent four years tearing apart (2 Samuel 19).

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.