2 Samuel 17:15

17:1-21 Here was a wonderful effect of Divine Providence blinding Absalom's mind and influencing his heart, that he could not rest in Ahithophel's counsel, and that he should desire Hushai's advice. But there is no contending with that God who can arm a man against himself, and destroy him by his own mistakes and passions. Ahithophel's former counsel was followed, for God intended to correct David; but his latter counsel was not followed, for God meant not to destroy him. He can overrule all counsels. Whatever wisdom or help any man employs or affords, the success is from God alone, who will not let his people perish.

Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests,.... After he was returned from the council board, he immediately went to these priests, who he knew were in the interest of David, and to whom he was to communicate, and by them transmit, what passed at Jerusalem, 2 Samuel 15:35 , thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; relating to them in express words what he advised to: and thus and thus have I counselled; telling them in what manner he had given his counsel.

Hushai certifieth David thereof, and adviseth him forthwith to march on, 2 Samuel 17:15-21. David passeth over Jordan, 2 Samuel 17:22. Ahithophel hangeth himself, 2 Samuel 17:23. David cometh to Mahanaim: Absalom passeth over Jordan, making Amasa the captain of his host, 2 Samuel 17:21-26. David is there furnished with provisions by his friends, 2 Samuel 17:27-29. I am so well assured of the goodness of this counsel, that I will venture my own person and life in execution of it.

David is informed of what has occurred. - 2 Samuel 17:15 , 2 Samuel 17:16 . Hushai communicated without delay to the priests Zadok and Abiathar the advice which had been given to Absalom both by Ahithophel and himself, and requested them to make it known to David as quickly as possible. "Stay not the night," he said, "by the ferries (עברות, as in 2 Samuel 15:28 ) of the desert; but rather go over, lest the king and all the people with him be destroyed." וגם, "and indeed," or after a negative clause, "but rather." למּלך יבלּע is either "there will be a devouring," i.e., destruction, to the king, it will fall upon him; of if we supply the subject from the previous clause תּעבור עבור as Bttcher proposes, "that it (the crossing over) may not be swallowed up or cut off from the king." There is nothing to justify Ewald's explanation, "it (misfortune) is swallowed by him." Hushai recommended of course an immediate crossing of the Jordan; because he did not know whether Absalom would really act upon his advice, although he had expressed his approval of it, or whether he might not change his mind and follow Ahithophel's counsel.

Verse 17. - And tarried in a place that was far off; Revised Version, in Beth-merhak. "The Far House" - so we may translate this proper name - was probably not a dwelling, but a pavilion overlooking the Kidron valley; and here David halted his household until all were assembled, and arrangements made for their journey. Here, too, the bodyguard would gather, and they would cross the Kidron only when everything was ready for their orderly progress. Confusion at such a time would breed a panic and invite an attack. 2 Samuel 15:17