Key Verse Spotlight
2 Samuel 17:16 — Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing—and how to apply it today
King James Version
" Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him. "
2 Samuel 17:16
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom.
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.
Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him.
Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; 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.
Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.
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From This Chapter
2 Samuel 17:1
"Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:"
2 Samuel 17:2
"And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:"
2 Samuel 17:3
"And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace."
2 Samuel 17:4
"And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel."
2 Samuel 17:5
"Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith."
2 Samuel 17:6
"And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou."
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