Hushai then answered unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given, is not [a]good at this time.

For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father, and his men, that they be strong men, and are chafed in mind as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: also thy father is a valiant warrior, and will not [b]lodge with the people.

Behold, he is hid now in some cave, or in some place: and though some of them be overthrown at the first, yet the people shall hear, and say, The people that follow Absalom, [c]be overthrown.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2 Samuel 17:7 Hushai showeth himself faithful to David, in that he reproveth this wicked counsel and purpose.
  2. 2 Samuel 17:8 Or, tarry all night.
  3. 2 Samuel 17:9 Hebrew, have a breach of ruin.

Hushai replied to Absalom, “The advice Ahithophel has given is not good this time. You know your father and his men; they are fighters, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs.(A) Besides, your father is an experienced fighter;(B) he will not spend the night with the troops. Even now, he is hidden in a cave or some other place.(C) If he should attack your troops first,[a] whoever hears about it will say, ‘There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom.’

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2 Samuel 17:9 Or When some of the men fall at the first attack