The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai

171 Ahithophel said to Absalom, "I would[1] choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David.

Other Translations of 2 Samuel 17:1

King James Version

The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai

171 Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:

English Standard Version

The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai

171 Moreover, Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight.

The Message

The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai

171 Next Ahithophel advised Absalom, "Let me handpick twelve thousand men and go after David tonight.

New King James Version

The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai

171 Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Now let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight.

New Living Translation

The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai

171 Now Ahithophel urged Absalom, "Let me choose 12,000 men to start out after David tonight.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:1

Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:1-21

(Read 2 Samuel 17:1-21)

Here was a wonderful effect of Divine Providence blinding Absalom's mind and influencing his heart, that he could not rest in Ahithophel's counsel, and that he should desire Hushai's advice. But there is no contending with that God who can arm a man against himself, and destroy him by his own mistakes and passions. Ahithophel's former counsel was followed, for God intended to correct David; but his latter counsel was not followed, for God meant not to destroy him. He can overrule all counsels. Whatever wisdom or help any man employs or affords, the success is from God alone, who will not let his people perish.