2 Samuel 17:9

2 Samuel 17:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Surely by now he is hiding in a cave or some other location. If some of your troops fall first, whoever hears of it will say, ‘There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom.’

King James Version KJV

Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.

American Standard Version ASV

Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them are fallen at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But he will certainly have taken cover now in some hole or secret place; and if some of our people, at the first attack, are overcome, then any hearing of it will say, There is destruction among the people who are on Absalom's side.

Free Bible Version FBV

Right now he's holed up in a cave or some place like that. If he attacks first and some of your men are killed, people who hear about it will say, ‘Absalom's men are being slaughtered.’

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Behold, he is hid now in some caue, or in some place: and though some of them be ouerthrowen at the first, yet the people shall heare, and say, The people that follow Absalom, be ouerthrowen.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

lo, now, he is hidden in one of the pits, or in one of the places, and it hath been, at the falling among them at the commencement, that the hearer hath heard, and said, There hath been a slaughter among the people who [are] after Absalom;

World English Bible WEB

Behold, he is now hidden in some pit, or in some other place. It will happen, when some of them have fallen at the first, that whoever hears it will say, ‘There is a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom!’

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them are overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Perhaps he now lieth hid in pits, or in some other place where he list: and when any one shall fall at the first, every one that heareth it shall say: There is a slaughter among the people that followed Absalom.

Translation for Translators T4T

Right now he is probably already hiding in one of the pits, or in some other place. If his soldiers start to attack your soldiers, and if they kill some of them, whoever hears about that will say ‘Many of the soldiers with Absalom have been killed!’

Plain English Version PEV

Maybe he will go and hide in a cave in the hills. Nobody can find him there. But then he and his soldiers might suddenly come and attack your mob of soldiers. Lots of your men might die. Everybody will hear about it and think, ‘Hey, look out. David’s mob finished up Absalom’s mob.’

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 17:9

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Samuel 17:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB הִנֵּ֨ה עַתָּ֤ה הֽוּא נֶחְבָּא֙ בְּ/אַחַ֣ת הַ/פְּחָתִ֔ים א֖וֹ בְּ/אַחַ֣ד הַ/מְּקוֹמֹ֑ת וְ/הָיָ֗ה כִּ/נְפֹ֤ל בָּ/הֶם֙ בַּ/תְּחִלָּ֔ה וְ/שָׁמַ֤ע הַ/שֹּׁמֵ֨עַ֙ וְ/אָמַ֔ר הָֽיְתָה֙ מַגֵּפָ֔ה בָּ/עָ֕ם אֲשֶׁ֖ר אַחֲרֵ֥י אַבְשָׁלֹֽם

הִנֵּ֨ה hinnêh H2009 behold Part

עַתָּ֤ה ʻattâh H6258 now Adv

הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

נֶחְבָּא֙ châbâʼ H2244 to hide V-Niphal-Inf-c

בְּ/אַחַ֣ת ʼechâd H259 one Prep | Adj

הַ/פְּחָתִ֔ים pachath H6354 pit Art | N-mp

א֖וֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj

בְּ/אַחַ֣ד ʼechâd H259 one Prep | Adj

הַ/מְּקוֹמֹ֑ת mâqôwm H4725 place Art | N-mp

וְ/הָיָ֗ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms

כִּ/נְפֹ֤ל nâphal H5307 to fall Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

בָּ/הֶם֙ Prep | Suff

בַּ/תְּחִלָּ֔ה tᵉchillâh H8462 beginning Prep | N-fs

וְ/שָׁמַ֤ע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear Conj | V-Qal-3ms

הַ/שֹּׁמֵ֨עַ֙ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear Art | V-Qal

וְ/אָמַ֔ר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-3ms

הָֽיְתָה֙ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3fs

מַגֵּפָ֔ה maggêphâh H4046 plague N-fs

בָּ/עָ֕ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Prep | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אַחֲרֵ֥י ʼachar H310 after Prep

אַבְשָׁלֹֽם ʼĂbîyshâlôwm H53 Absalom N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 17:9

הִנֵּ֨ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

עַתָּ֤ה ʻattâh H6258 "now" Adv

This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.

Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases

Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.

הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

נֶחְבָּא֙ châbâʼ H2244 "to hide" V-Niphal-Inf-c

To hide means to secrete or withdraw, often for safety or protection. In the Bible, this word is used to describe hiding oneself or being forced into hiding. It appears in various forms, including to hide oneself or to be hidden by someone else.

Definition: 1) to withdraw, hide 1a) (Niphal) to hide oneself 1b) (Pual) to be forced into hiding 1c) (Hiphil) to hide 1d) (Hophal) to be hidden 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to hide oneself, draw back 1e2) to draw together, thicken, harden

Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] held, hide (self), do secretly. See also: Genesis 3:8; 1 Kings 18:4; Isaiah 42:22.

בְּ/אַחַ֣ת ʼechâd H259 "one" Prep | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

הַ/פְּחָתִ֔ים pachath H6354 "pit" Art | N-mp

This word means a pit or hole, often used to catch animals. In the Bible, it can also refer to a trap or snare. The KJV translates it as 'hole' or 'pit'.

Definition: pit, hole

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: hole, pit, snare. See also: 2 Samuel 17:9; Jeremiah 48:28; Isaiah 24:17.

א֖וֹ ʼôw H176 "or" Conj

Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.

Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then

Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.

בְּ/אַחַ֣ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Prep | Adj

הַ/מְּקוֹמֹ֑ת mâqôwm H4725 "place" Art | N-mp

Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.

Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of

Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.

וְ/הָיָ֗ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

כִּ/נְפֹ֤ל nâphal H5307 "to fall" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.

Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall

Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.

בָּ/הֶם֙ "" Prep | Suff

בַּ/תְּחִלָּ֔ה tᵉchillâh H8462 "beginning" Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this word means the start of something, like the beginning of a project or a new phase of life, as seen in Genesis and Psalms.

Definition: 1) beginning, first 1a) the first time 1b) from the beginning, in the beginning (with prep)

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: begin(-ning), first (time). See also: Genesis 13:3; 2 Kings 17:25; Proverbs 9:10.

וְ/שָׁמַ֤ע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

הַ/שֹּׁמֵ֨עַ֙ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" Art | V-Qal

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

וְ/אָמַ֔ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

הָֽיְתָה֙ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3fs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

מַגֵּפָ֔ה maggêphâh H4046 "plague" N-fs

A plague or pestilence in the Bible often refers to a divine judgment, like the plagues God sent upon Egypt in Exodus 7-12. It can also mean a defeat or slaughter, as seen in 1 Samuel 4:10.

Definition: 1) blow, slaughter, plague, pestilence, strike, smite 1a) blow (fatal stroke) 1b) slaughter (of battle) 1c) plague, pestilence (divine judgment)

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: ([idiom] be) plague(-d), slaughter, stroke. See also: Exodus 9:14; 2 Samuel 17:9; Psalms 106:29.

בָּ/עָ֕ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Prep | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

אַחֲרֵ֥י ʼachar H310 "after" Prep

Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.

Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after

Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.

אַבְשָׁלֹֽם ʼĂbîyshâlôwm H53 "Absalom" N-proper

Absalom was a son of King David, mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:3, and had several half-brothers. He is also referred to as Abishalom in some translations. Absalom played a significant role in the United Monarchy period.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3; son of: David (H1732) and Maacah (H4601I); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); father of: Tamar (H8559I); also called Abishalom at 1Ki.15.2,10; § Absalom or Abishalom = "my father is peace" 1) father-in-law of Rehoboam 2) third son of David, killer of first-born son Amnon, also leader of revolt against his father-David

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: Abishalom, Absalom. See also: 2 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 3:1.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 17:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 17:9 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 17:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 17:9
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:9
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:9
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 17:9
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 17:9
Sermons on 2 Samuel 17:9

Context — Hushai Counters Ahithophel’s Advice

7Hushai replied, “This time the advice of Ahithophel is not sound.” 8He continued, “You know your father and his men. They are mighty men, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Moreover, your father is a man of war who will not spend the night with the troops.

9Surely by now he is hiding in a cave or some other location. If some of your troops fall first, whoever hears of it will say, ‘There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom.’

10Then even the most valiant soldier with the heart of a lion will melt with fear, because all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man who has valiant men with him. 11Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beersheba—a multitude like the sand on the seashore—be gathered to you, and that you yourself lead them into battle.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 24:3	Soon Saul came to the sheepfolds along the road, where there was a cave, and he went in to relieve himself. And David and his men were hiding in the recesses of the cave.
2	1 Samuel 14:14–15	In that first assault, Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about twenty men over half an acre of land. Then terror struck the Philistines in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even those in the outposts and raiding parties trembled. Indeed, the earth quaked and panic spread from God.
3	Judges 20:32–33	“We are defeating them as before,” said the Benjamites. But the Israelites said, “Let us retreat and draw them away from the city onto the roads.” So all the men of Israel got up from their places and arrayed themselves at Baal-tamar, and the Israelites in ambush charged from their positions west of Gibeah.
4	1 Samuel 22:1	So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there.
5	Joshua 8:6	They will pursue us until we have drawn them away from the city, for they will say, ‘The Israelites are running away from us as they did before.’ So as we flee from them,
6	Joshua 7:5	And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water.

2 Samuel 17:9 Summary

This verse, 2 Samuel 17:9, is talking about a conversation between Hushai and Absalom, where Hushai is advising Absalom on how to approach his father, King David, in battle. Hushai is warning Absalom that even if some of his troops fall first, it could lead to a bigger problem because people will think that Absalom's whole army is losing, much like the fear that spread in Exodus 32:25. This reminds us to be careful and think about the potential consequences of our actions, as encouraged in Proverbs 21:5 and James 1:5. We should also trust in God's sovereignty, as stated in Psalm 37:3-7, and remember that He is always in control, even in the midst of uncertainty or conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of 2 Samuel 17:9?

This verse is part of a conversation between Hushai and Absalom, where Hushai is advising Absalom on how to approach his father, King David, in battle, referencing the fierce nature of King David as described in 1 Samuel 17:34-36.

Why does Hushai suggest that Absalom's troops might fall first?

Hushai suggests this because he knows that King David is a skilled warrior, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51, and that even a small setback could lead to a loss of morale and ultimately, the battle.

What is the significance of the phrase 'hiding in a cave or some other location'?

This phrase indicates that King David is likely in a secure, hidden location, much like he was in 1 Samuel 22:1, and that Absalom's troops will have to be cautious in their approach to avoid being ambushed.

How does this verse relate to the broader story of David and Absalom?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of David's experiences as recorded in the book of 2 Samuel, particularly his struggles with his son Absalom, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:1-12, and ultimately, God's sovereignty over all events, as stated in Proverbs 16:9.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that fear and misinformation can spread quickly, and how can we, as believers, be mindful of this in our own lives, as warned in Exodus 23:1 and Proverbs 10:32?
How does Hushai's advice to Absalom reflect his own character and motivations, and what can we learn from his example, as seen in Proverbs 11:3 and 2 Samuel 15:34?
In what ways do we, like Absalom, sometimes underestimate the strength and cunning of our spiritual enemies, and how can we be better prepared for battle, as encouraged in Ephesians 6:10-18 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5?
What role does trust in God's sovereignty play in our own lives, particularly in times of uncertainty or conflict, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 17:9

Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some [other] place,.... Some lurking place, as he was acquainted with many when he fled from Saul, and where he preserved himself from him; so that he could

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 17:9

And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:9

He is hid now in some pit, or in some other place; having been oft accustomed to that course, and well acquainted with all hidingplaces from Saul’ s time. In one of them, unknown to us, he will lurk with some of his chosen men, and lie in ambush for us; and when they see a fit opportunity, they will suddenly come forth and surprise some of our men when they least expect it, and fall upon them with great fury, and probably will at first put them to flight. Some of them, to wit, of Absalom’ s men sent against David. Overthrown at the first; implying that their good success at first would mightily animate David’ s men to proceed vigorously in the fight, and intimidate Absalom’ s army, and consequently would be both a presage and an occasion of their total defeat. Whosoever heareth it will say; they who first hear these ill tidings will propagate it, and strike terror with it into the rest of the army.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:9

2 Samuel 17:9 Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some [other] place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.Ver. 9. Behold, he is hid now in some pit.] Either to secure himself, or from thence to rush suddenly upon our forces as they march by him, and to give them a defeat, and that would be of very ill consequence: Nam prima pugna, qualiscunque fuerit, totius belli praeiudicium esse videtur; for the first conflict is much looked upon as a foretoken of the success of those that shall follow: therefore Ahithophel’ s counsel hac vice is not good. “ Quandoque bonus dormitat Homerus. ”

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 17:9

9. in some pit, or in some other place] Omit other. By pit is meant a cave or natural hiding-place; by place an artificially strengthened position. when some of them be overthrown] Or, when he (David) falleth upon them (his assailants).

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 17:9

Some pit, or in some other place - The Hebrew has “in one of the pits,” or “in one of the places.” Hence, “place” must have some defined meaning.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 17:9

	Sermon	Description
	Exposition on Psalm 57 by St. Augustine	St. Augustine preaches about the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, emphasizing His dual nature as God with the Father and Man with us, seated at the right hand of the Fathe
	(1 Samuel) God’s Idea of a Team by David Guzik	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of David and the 400 men who gathered around him in distress, debt, and discontentment. He emphasizes that God calls and brings to
	David's Flight From Saul by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith encourages believers to take ventures in faith and make themselves available for God's work. He emphasizes the power of one person who is totally
	A Lion in a Pit on a Snowy Day by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of David and his men taking refuge in a cave. The speaker expresses a desire to know what exactly happened in that cave and sugges
	(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 35 Psalm 142 by Keith Simons	Keith Simons teaches on Psalm 142, emphasizing David's desperate prayer while hiding in the cave of Adullam from King Saul. He highlights how David cried out to the Lord, expressin
	In the Lord's Army by Keith Keyser	Keith Keyser preaches on the parallels between the valiant warriors of Special Operations forces in modern armies and David's Mighty Men in Biblical times. He highlights how David
	Joshua Leading the People in God's Victory by Bob Hoekstra	Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of fully yielding to the Lord as the divine Commander in our battles, just as Joshua did before the first battle at Jericho. Joshua's encoun