Chapter 277 of 1163

2 SAMUEL 17

Hushai was a master of metaphors, and God used his skillful way with words to defeat Absalom. He compared David to an angry bear (v. 8) and a fierce lion (v. 10). Then he appealed to Absalom’s pride by telling him to lead a large army (“like the sand” [v. 11]) and defeat David himself, coming upon David’s men “as the dew falls” (v. 12). Absalom pictured himself as the conquering general, and pride did the rest (Prov. 16:18).

David owed his life to the brave men who stayed in Jerusalem and kept the king informed of Absalom’s plans, and also to an anonymous woman who protected the messengers. The people who helped him at Mahanaim were a gift of God. Jacob saw angels at Mahanaim (Gen. 32:1–2), but David’s “angels” were loving people who cared for him. Behind all great leaders are devoted people whom God rewards but whose names we too soon forget.

Ahithophel saw that Absalom would lose the battle, and like Judas, he committed suicide (Matt. 27:1–5). He could counsel others, but he did not wisely counsel himself.

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