What does 2 Samuel 17:4 mean?

"And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel." - 2 Samuel 17:4

"And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel." - 2 Samuel 17:4

The Bible verse 2 Samuel 17:4 in the King James Version (KJV) states, "And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel."

This verse is part of the account of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Absalom, one of David's sons, had been banished from the kingdom after he conspired to take the throne from his father. Absalom then gathered support from influential men in Israel and prepared to launch a coup against David. In the midst of this rebellion, the verse reveals that Absalom was pleased with the advice given to him, and that it was supported by the elders of Israel.

In order to fully understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to consider the broader context of the story of Absalom's rebellion and the themes that are present in this passage. The narrative of Absalom's uprising is a tale of betrayal, power struggles, and the consequences of sin.

The story of Absalom's rebellion is filled with themes of family conflict, betrayal, and the consequences of pride and greed. Absalom's rebellion against his father is a manifestation of his own selfish desires for power and a lack of humility. His actions reveal the destructive nature of human ambition and the consequences that can arise from placing personal gain over relationships and the will of God.

The verse also highlights the role of the elders of Israel in supporting Absalom's rebellion. The fact that they were pleased with Absalom's plans reflects the disunity and disloyalty that had spread throughout the kingdom. The elders, who should have been wise and respected leaders, had instead aligned themselves with Absalom, further complicating the political and moral landscape of the kingdom.

In a broader theological context, this verse and the story of Absalom's rebellion can serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, ambition, and the pursuit of power. It is a reminder of the importance of humility, obedience to God, and the destructive nature of sin. The consequences of Absalom's rebellion, which ultimately lead to his death, serve as a sobering reminder of the heavy toll of disobedience and the pursuit of personal gain at the expense of others.

Symbolically, this verse can also be seen as a reflection of the brokenness and sinfulness of humanity. The rebellion of Absalom and the support of the elders of Israel represent the divisions and conflicts that are inherent in the fallen world. It serves as a reminder of the need for redemption, grace, and the restoration of relationships, both with God and with one another.

In conclusion, 2 Samuel 17:4 in the King James Version is a verse that is rich in meaning and significance. It is a part of a larger story that speaks to the themes of betrayal, pride, power struggles, and the consequences of sin. It serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of the destructive nature of selfish ambition and the importance of humility and obedience to God. In addition, it offers a symbolic representation of the brokenness and sinfulness of humanity, while pointing to the need for redemption and the restoration of relationships.

Have questions about 2 Samuel 17:4?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

2 Samuel 17:4 Artwork

2 Samuel 17:4 - "And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel."

2 Samuel 17:4 - "And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel."

"And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel." - 2 Samuel 17:4

"And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel." - 2 Samuel 17:4

2 Samuel 1. 17-27

2 Samuel 1. 17-27

2 Samuel 22:17-20

2 Samuel 22:17-20

2 Samuel 17:26 - "So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead."

2 Samuel 17:26 - "So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead."

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 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 1:17 - "¶ And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:"

2 Samuel 10:4

2 Samuel 10:4

2 Samuel 10:4

2 Samuel 10:4

1 Samuel 17:4 - "¶ And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span."

1 Samuel 17:4 - "¶ And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span."

2 Corinthians 4:17

2 Corinthians 4:17

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 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 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 17:7 - "And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time."

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 15:17 - "And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off."

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 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 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."

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."

2 Samuel 7:17 - "According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David."

2 Samuel 4:3 - "And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and were sojourners there until this day.)"

2 Samuel 4:3 - "And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and were sojourners there until this day.)"

1 Samuel 2:4 - "The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength."

1 Samuel 2:4 - "The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength."

2 Samuel 22:17 - "He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters;"

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."

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."

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 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 3:4 - "And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;"

2 Samuel 3:4 - "And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;"

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:"

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:"

2 Samuel 17:28 - "Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,"

2 Samuel 17:28 - "Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,"

2 Samuel 17:5 - "Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith."

2 Samuel 17:5 - "Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith."

2 Samuel 11:17 - "And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also."

2 Samuel 11:17 - "And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also."

2 Samuel 7:4 - "¶ And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying,"

2 Samuel 7:4 - "¶ And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying,"