What does 2 Samuel 17:13 mean?
"Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there." - 2 Samuel 17:13
In 2 Samuel 17:13, the King James Version of the Bible states: "Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there."
This verse is part of the Old Testament narrative that follows the story of King David and his son Absalom. Absalom had rebelled against his father and attempted to take the throne, causing a division in the kingdom of Israel. In this particular passage, the advisor Hushai is strategizing with David on how to outmaneuver Absalom's supporters and ultimately defeat him in battle.
The context of this verse is one of political intrigue, military strategy, and the struggle for power. Hushai is devising a plan to counter the advice given by Absalom's counselor, Ahithophel, who has suggested an immediate pursuit and attack on David. Hushai's plan involves delaying the pursuit and giving David time to regroup and prepare for battle.
The themes present in this verse are those of wisdom, cunning, and the sovereignty of God. Hushai's strategy reflects his shrewdness and understanding of human nature and the realities of war. He recognizes the need to buy time and rally support for David's cause. Additionally, the verse underscores the idea that ultimately, it is God who determines the outcome of battles and the fate of nations, as demonstrated by the inclusion of Hushai's role in providing advice to David.
Symbolism in this verse can be found in the use of ropes and the image of drawing a city into the river. The act of using ropes to draw a city into the river carries a metaphorical weight, symbolizing the collective effort and determination of the people of Israel to support and defend their king. It speaks to the unity and resolve of the nation in the face of adversity, as they are willing to take drastic measures to ensure the safety and success of their leader. Additionally, the river itself may symbolize a boundary or a threshold, and the act of drawing the city into it could signify a crossing over or a transformation of the city's fate.
In a broader theological sense, this verse can also be interpreted as a lesson in divine providence and the ways in which God works through the actions of individuals for the fulfillment of His purposes. Hushai's strategy, while employing human wisdom and cunning, ultimately serves as a vehicle for God's will to be carried out.
Overall, 2 Samuel 17:13 is a rich and multi-layered verse that highlights the complexities of human nature, the dynamics of power and politics, and the role of divine intervention in the course of history. It serves as a reminder of the importance of wisdom, discernment, and trust in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of conflict and uncertainty.
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2 Samuel 17:13 - "Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there."
"Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there." - 2 Samuel 17:13
2 Samuel 13:17 - "Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her."
2 Samuel 1. 17-27
2 Samuel 22:17-20
2 Samuel 17:26 - "So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead."
2 Samuel 17:4 - "And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel."
2 Samuel 2:17 - "And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David."
2 Samuel 1:17 - "¶ And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:"
1 Samuel 13:17 - "¶ And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual:"
2 Samuel 13:38 - "So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years."
2 Samuel 17:17 - "Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by En-rogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David."
2 Samuel 8:17 - "And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;"
2 Samuel 17:7 - "And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time."
2 Samuel 22:13 - "Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled."
2 Samuel 15:17 - "And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off."
2 Samuel 15:13 - "¶ And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom."
2 Samuel 13:21 - "¶ But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth."
2 Samuel 17:24 - "Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him."
2 Samuel 16:17 - "And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?"
1 Samuel 2:17 - "Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD."
2 Samuel 7:17 - "According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David."
1 Samuel 17:13 - "And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah."
2 Samuel 22:17 - "He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters;"
1 Samuel 17:2 - "And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines."
"Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her." - 2 Samuel 13:17
2 Samuel 17:19 - "And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known."
2 Samuel 13:27 - "But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him."
2 Samuel 13:35 - "And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is."
2 Samuel 3:17 - "¶ And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:"