19 His wife took a covering and spread it out over the opening of the well and scattered grain over it. No one knew anything about it.
19 And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known.
19 And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth and scattered grain on it, and nothing was known of it.
19 The wife took a rug and covered the well, then spread grain on it so no one would notice anything out of the ordinary.
19 Then the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground grain on it; and the thing was not known.
19 The man's wife put a cloth over the top of the well and scattered grain on it to dry in the sun; so no one suspected they were there.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:19
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.