What does 2 Samuel 17:15 mean?
"¶ Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled." - 2 Samuel 17:15
The verse 2 Samuel 17:15 in the King James Version reads: "Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled."
To fully understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to provide some context. This verse is a part of the larger narrative of the rebellion of Absalom against his father, King David. Absalom, the son of David, had conspired against his father and had garnered support from many Israelites. In response, David was forced to flee from Jerusalem, and Absalom entered the city. This verse takes place during this time of political turmoil, as various advisors and priests are consulting on the course of action to take.
Hushai, one of David's loyal advisors, has just been sent as a spy to infiltrate Absalom's inner circle and convey false information to thwart the counsel of Ahithophel, who was a respected advisor to Absalom. In this verse, Hushai is informing the priests, Zadok and Abiathar, about the counsel that Ahithophel had given to Absalom and how he has countered it with his own counsel.
The verse has several themes that can be highlighted. The first theme is the idea of loyalty and betrayal. Hushai's actions in this verse demonstrate his loyalty to King David as he covertly works to undermine the plans of Absalom and Ahithophel. On the other hand, Ahithophel's counsel to Absalom represents a form of betrayal against David, who had previously trusted him as an advisor.
Another theme is the idea of wisdom and counsel. Both Ahithophel and Hushai are respected for their counsel, and their differing advice reflects the strategic political maneuvering taking place within the kingdom. The verse raises questions about the motivations and consequences of seeking and providing counsel, as well as the reliability of the advice given.
Symbolism can also be found in this verse. The role of the priests, Zadok and Abiathar, in receiving and passing on the information from Hushai highlights the importance of spiritual guidance and divine intervention in the affairs of men. It also signifies the combination of political and religious authority within the kingdom of Israel.
Furthermore, the verse serves as a reminder of the complexities of human nature and the dynamics of power and influence. It emphasizes the importance of discernment and critical thinking in evaluating the counsel received and making decisions.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 17:15 presents a pivotal moment in the narrative of political intrigue and power struggle within the kingdom of Israel. The themes of loyalty, betrayal, wisdom, and counsel are central to this verse and the wider story. It serves as a reminder of the complexities and consequences of human actions, and the need for discernment and reliance on divine guidance in navigating the challenges of life.
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2 Samuel 17:15 - "¶ Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled."
"¶ Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled." - 2 Samuel 17:15
2 Samuel 15:17 - "And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off."
1 Samuel 1:15-17
1 Samuel 17:15 - "But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Beth-lehem."
"And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off." - 2 Samuel 15:17
1 Samuel 15:17 - "And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?"
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 5:15 - "Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,"
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:"
2 Samuel 2:15 - "Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David."
2 Samuel 15:15 - "And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint."
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 16:15 - "¶ And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him."
2 Samuel 15:13 - "¶ And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom."
2 Samuel 15:37 - "So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem."
2 Samuel 15:29 - "Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there."
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 22:15 - "And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them."
2 Chronicles 17:15 - "And next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand."
2 Samuel 10:15 - "¶ And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel, they gathered themselves together."
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?"
2 Samuel 7:17 - "According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David."
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."