II SAMUEL 17 Lesson # 19
GOD’S PROTECTION, EVEN IN COMMITTEE MEETINGS
I. Introduction:
Note: We tend to love those who come from behind to win. We often cheer loudly for the person no one expected to win. We especially love the little guy who slays the big, bad, powerful guy. We love David’s who slay Goliath’s.
Q Can you recount, from this century, a military reversal where the unexpected guy one?
Note: In our story today, we will see the beginning of a reversal of fortunes. The guy with no hope will actually begin to succeed in, of all places, a committee meeting.
Note: Absalom has completely demoralized David with his betrayal. David really loves Absalom and now his boy has totally betrayed him. He leaves Jerusalem, not wishing to let it suffer the horrors of a siege, and so he heads for the open road. He receives help from unexpected quarters, but he was so demoralized that he sought to do little to defend his position, etc. Others volunteered to help.
Absalom seems to have all the cards. He appears to have popular support and the most trusted and wise counselor in the nation: Ahithophel.
>>>> Re-read to them II Samuel 16:23.
David is in trouble.
II. The Counsel Meeting: II Samuel 17:1-14
>>>> Have someone read II Samuel 17:1-4.
Q What is the essence of Ahithophel’s plan?
An = A quick, surgical strike. One that Ahithophel volunteers to lead himself!! Ahithophel’s understands human nature and he knows how demoralized David is, that he is tired and weary, and unprepared for a late-night attack. He proposes to kill only David and with the death of David, all resistance will crumble. He does not want many people killed. As Brueggemann says, “It eliminates David and does not escalate social conflict.” (p. 311). There is an interesting play on words that comes from the Hebrew in 17:3. Ahithophel sees the nation as rightfully belonging to Absalom now and therefore as his bride. The quick eradication of David without much bloodshed will allow the peaceful return of the entire population. It is a great plan and Absalom and the elders agree and see it for what it is.
So far, so good for Absalom, but then he seems to be a bit uneasy and he calls for a second opinion.
>>>> Have someone read II Samuel 17:5-6.
Note: Why Absalom needs more confirmation we are not told by the text, we are just told that he does. So he calls for Hushai and Hushai, the unknown David loyalist, is asked to give his opinion.
>>>> Have someone read II Samuel 17:7-10.
Q Does Hushai like Ahithophel’s advice?
An = Apparently he does not like it, or Hushai sees how wise it is and needs to vigorously counteract such advice. He says the advice is “not good” but remember Hushai is a traitor and most of his speeches can be seen to have double meanings. Ahithophel’s advice may be “not good” for David (Brueggemann, p. 311).
Q What are the reasons Hushai gives for going against Ahithophel’s plan?
An = Hushai preys on Absalom’s lack of military expertise and therefore his fears of David’s vaulted military reputation. Absalom is a politically astute man, but not a tried warrior in the field. David had fought for the people and established the kingdom and Absalom merely wishes to manipulate public opinion to gain the throne. Unconsciously, Absalom must know this.
Note: Brueggemann also points out that in the process of diminishing the good advice of Ahithophel he has effectively “managed to sound a great tribute to David in the enemy camp” (p. 311).
>>>> Have someone read II Samuel 17:11-13.
Q What is the essence of Hushai’s plan?
An = Hushai’s plan is to gather the entire nation and go after David with great cost of life, and have Absalom lead the army himself. Ahithophel’s plan was to make an incisive attack with minimal lose of life, but Hushai’s plan is to kill a lot of people with a massive show of force. Hushai’s plan seems to leave little to chance compared with Ahithophel’s plan.
Q Which plan is better for David?
An = Actually, it is Hushai’s plan, for Ahithophel was correct in thinking David would be weary and tired and Hushai’s plan to gather a huge army will give David and his forces time to regroup.
Hushai’s plan buys time!
>>>> Have someone read II Samuel 17:14.
Q Why did Absalom and his cabinet adopt Hushai’s plan over the famous and highly exalted Ahithophel?
An = God had decided to bring this about. David’s prayer is answered.
>>>> Have someone read II Samuel 15:31.
>>>> You read II Samuel 15:32-34.
Note: Hushai arrives immediately after David had prayed. Hushai was to be the answer to David’s prayer.
Note: God’s people may make mistakes like David certainly did, but if we repent and we acknowledge our sins, then we are allowed to pray, like David did and be heard.
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE MAN WHO PRAYS
AFTER HE HAS CONFESSED AND REPENTED. (C.F. McCarter, p. 387)
III. Sending the News: II Samuel 17:15-22.
>>>> Have someone read II Samuel 17:15-16.
Note: The key information is to get the weary and exposed David and his men across the Jordan quickly. Ahithophel’s plan was a good one.
>>>> Have someone read II Samuel 17:17-22.
Note: The intrigue and drama involved in getting the news to David is told in such a way to show that God uses many varied means to accomplish His will. The story is exciting and involves the High Priest, their sons, the unknown woman, Hushai, etc. God used people high in government and ordinary citizens.
IV. The Response: II Samuel 17:23-29.
>>>> Have someone read II Samuel 17:23.
Q Why did Ahithophel commit suicide?
An = Remember, this man was a traitor to King David, and he was highly intelligent. He knew the end was near. David had won. He saw the writing on the wall. He was not a very brave man, instead he took the easy way out. Being very smart and very insightful does not mean one is also wise and righteous. Many smart people often use their intelligence in a improper and therefore unwise manner. Ahithophel is a great example of this.
>>>> Have someone read II Samuel 17:24-29.
Note: Absalom appoints a cousin of David and Joab’s.
Note: David is met with help from people across the Jordan who bring him provisions for him and his troops. Notice, the last speech speaks of David and his men being hungery and tired. Ahithophel was right. But now, Hushai’s plan has gained them time to get provisions and rest and later we will see it has gained them time to reorganize their military position.
Note: God can save His anointed. He can do so by means we would never have anticipated at times. The Proverbs are right when they tell us….
>>>> Have someone read Proverbs 21:30-31