Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘Your Majesty, I will be your servant; I was your father’s servant in the past, but now I will be your servant,’ then you can help me by frustrating Ahithophel’s advice. New Living Translation Return to Jerusalem and tell Absalom, ‘I will now be your adviser, O king, just as I was your father’s adviser in the past.’ Then you can frustrate and counter Ahithophel’s advice. English Standard Version But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father’s servant in time past, so now I will be your servant,’ then you will defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. Berean Standard Bible But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’ Berean Literal Bible But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king, and servant of your father as I was from then, and now I will be your servant,’ then you will defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. King James Bible But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. New King James Version But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I was your father’s servant previously, so I will now also be your servant,’ then you may defeat the counsel of Ahithophel for me. New American Standard Bible But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; even as I was your father’s servant in time past, so now I will also be your servant,’ then you can foil the advice of Ahithophel for me. NASB 1995 “But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father’s servant in time past, so I will now be your servant,’ then you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me. NASB 1977 “But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father’s servant in time past, so I will now be your servant,’ then you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me. Legacy Standard Bible But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father’s servant in time past, so I will now be your servant,’ then you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me. Amplified Bible But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father’s servant in the past, so I will be your servant now;’ then you can thwart (make useless) the advice of Ahithophel for me. Berean Annotated Bible But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel (my brother is folly) for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom (my father is peace): ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant. Christian Standard Bible but if you return to the city and tell Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, Your Majesty! Previously, I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant,’ then you can counteract Ahithophel’s counsel for me. Holman Christian Standard Bible but if you return to the city and tell Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, my king! Previously, I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant,’ then you can counteract Ahithophel’s counsel for me. American Standard Version but if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant in time past, so will I now be thy servant; then wilt thou defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. Contemporary English Version Go back into the city and tell Absalom, "Your Majesty, I am your servant. I will serve you now, just as I served your father in the past." Hushai, if you do that, you can help me ruin Ahithophel's plans. English Revised Version but if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant in time past, so will I now be thy servant: then shalt thou defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. GOD'S WORD® Translation But if you go back to the city and say to Absalom, 'Your Majesty, I'll be your servant. I was your father's servant in the past, but now I'll be your servant,' then you'll [help me by] undoing Ahithophel's advice. Good News Translation but you can help me by returning to the city and telling Absalom that you will now serve him as faithfully as you served his father. And do all you can to oppose any advice that Ahithophel gives. International Standard Version So go back to the city and tell Absalom, 'I'll be your servant, your majesty! Just as I served your father in the past, I can be your servant now.' That way you can manipulate Ahithophel's advice to my benefit. NET Bible But you will be able to counter the advice of Ahithophel if you go back to the city and say to Absalom, 'I will be your servant, O king! Previously I was your father's servant, and now I will be your servant.' New Heart English Bible but if you return to the city, and tell Absalom, 'Your brothers have left, O king, after your father left, and now I am your servant, O king. Allow me to live. As I have been your father’s servant in the past, so now I am be your servant,' then you will defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. Webster's Bible Translation But if thou shalt return to the city, and say to Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’ World English Bible but if you return to the city, and tell Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king. As I have been your father’s servant in time past, so I will now be your servant; then will you defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel.’ Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand if you return to the city and have said to Absalom, I am your servant, O king; I [am] also servant of your father until now, and presently, I [am] also your servant; then you have made void the counsel of Ahithophel for me; Berean Literal Bible But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king, and servant of your father as I was from then, and now I will be your servant,’ then you will defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. Young's Literal Translation and if to the city thou dost turn back, and hast said to Absalom, Thy servant I am, O king; servant of thy father I am also hitherto, and now, I am also thy servant; then thou hast made void for me the counsel of Ahithophel; Smith's Literal Translation And if to the city, thou shalt turn back and say to Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; thy father's servant from then, and now thy servant: and thou didst frustrate for me the counsel of Ahithophel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut if thou return into the city, and wilt say to Absalom: I am thy servant, O king: as I have been thy father's servant, so I will be thy servant: thou shalt defeat the counsel of Achitophel. Catholic Public Domain Version But if you return to the city, and you say to Absalom, ‘I am your servant, O king; just as I have been the servant of your father, so too will I be your servant,’ you will destroy the counsel of Ahithophel New American Bible but if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘Let me be your servant, O king; I was formerly your father’s servant, but now I will be yours,’ you will thwart for me the counsel of Ahithophel. New Revised Standard Version But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father’s servant in time past, so now I will be your servant,’ then you will defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut if you return to the city, say to Absalom, I am your servant, O king, as I was your father's servant hitherto. And now, I the king, want you to go and defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated But return to the city and go to Abishlum and say to Abishlum: ‘I am your Servant, oh King, and the Servant of your father from former time!’ And now, I the King, I beg of you, go destroy the counsel of Akhithuphel OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917but if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom: I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant in time past, so will I now be thy servant; then wilt thou defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. Brenton Septuagint Translation but if thou shall return to the city, and shalt say to Abessalom, Thy brethren are passed over, and the king thy father is passed over after me: and now I am thy servant, O king, suffer me to live: at one time even of late I was the servant of thy father, and now I am thy humble servant - so shalt thou disconcert for me, the counsel of Achitophel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Weeps at the Mount of Olives…33David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me. 34But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’ 35Will not Zadok and Abiathar the priests be there with you? Report to them everything you hear from the king’s palace.… Cross References But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me 2 Samuel 17:14 Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. Psalm 33:10 The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples. Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. if you return to the city and say to Absalom: 2 Samuel 16:15 Then Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him. 2 Samuel 16:16 And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” 2 Samuel 16:17 “Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?” ‘I will be your servant, my king; 2 Kings 10:5 So the palace administrator, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu: “We are your servants, and we will do whatever you say. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your sight.” 1 Kings 1:17 “My lord,” she replied, “you yourself swore to your maidservant by the LORD your God: ‘Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne.’ 1 Samuel 17:32 And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of this Philistine. Your servant will go and fight him!” in the past I was your father’s servant, 2 Samuel 16:19 Furthermore, whom should I serve if not his son? As I served in your father’s presence, so also I will serve in yours.” 1 Samuel 24:11 See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life. 1 Samuel 26:18 And he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand? but now I will be your servant.’ 1 Kings 12:7 They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” Luke 22:27 For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves. Matthew 20:27 and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— 1 Kings 2:7 But show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, because they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom. Treasury of Scripture But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father's servant till now, so will I now also be your servant: then may you for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. return 2 Samuel 15:20 Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee. Joshua 8:2 And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves: lay thee an ambush for the city behind it. Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. as I have been 2 Samuel 16:16-19 And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king… then mayest 2 Samuel 17:5-14 Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith… Jump to Previous Able Absalom Ab'salom Advice Ahithophel Ahith'ophel Ahithophel's City Counsel Defeat Designs Effect Father's Help Hitherto Mayest Past Servant Thwart Time Turn WiltJump to Next Able Absalom Ab'salom Advice Ahithophel Ahith'ophel Ahithophel's City Counsel Defeat Designs Effect Father's Help Hitherto Mayest Past Servant Thwart Time Turn Wilt2 Samuel 15 1. Absalom, by fair speeches and courtesies, steals the hearts of Israel.7. By pretense of a vow, he obtains leave to go to Hebron 10. He makes there a great conspiracy 13. David upon the news flees from Jerusalem 19. Ittai will leave him 24. Zadok and Abiathar are sent back with the ark 30. David and his company go up mount Olivet weeping, 31. He curses Ahithophel's counsel 32. Hushai is sent back with instructions But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me Ahithophel was a highly esteemed advisor, known for his wisdom (2 Samuel 16:23). His counsel was considered as if one had inquired of the word of God. David's strategy to counteract Ahithophel's advice highlights the importance of divine intervention and human agency in thwarting plans against God's anointed. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God using unexpected means to protect His chosen ones, as seen in stories like Joseph's rise in Egypt (Genesis 50:20). if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’ Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom's rebellion. He is the one orchestrating the plan to thwart Ahithophel's counsel. 2. Absalom David's son, who has declared himself king in Hebron and is attempting to usurp David's throne. 3. Hushai the Archite A loyal friend and advisor to King David, who is sent back to Jerusalem to act as a spy and counter the advice of Ahithophel. 4. Ahithophel A highly esteemed counselor whose advice is considered almost as if one had consulted the word of God. He has defected to Absalom's side. 5. Jerusalem The city where Absalom has set up his temporary rule and where Hushai is sent to carry out David's plan. Teaching Points Loyalty and WisdomHushai's loyalty to David is a testament to the importance of wise counsel and loyalty to God's anointed. In our lives, we should seek to be loyal to God's purposes and wise in our actions. God's Sovereignty Despite human schemes, God's plans prevail. We can trust that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire. Strategic Thinking in Faith David's strategic use of Hushai shows that faith does not preclude the use of wisdom and strategy. Believers are called to be shrewd and discerning in their actions. The Power of Influence The account highlights the power of influence and counsel. We should be mindful of the advice we give and receive, ensuring it aligns with God's will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 15:34?2. How can we emulate Hushai's loyalty and wisdom in our daily lives? 3. What does 2 Samuel 15:34 teach about God's sovereignty in difficult situations? 4. How does Hushai's strategy align with Romans 8:28's message of God's purpose? 5. In what ways can we serve God by supporting His appointed leaders today? 6. How does Hushai's role demonstrate the importance of discernment and timing? 7. What was the significance of Hushai's role in 2 Samuel 15:34? 8. How does 2 Samuel 15:34 illustrate loyalty and deception? 9. Why did David send Hushai back to Absalom in 2 Samuel 15:34? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 15? 11. Who was Ahithophel in the Bible? 12. Who was Hushai in the Bible? 13. Who was Hushai in the Bible? 14. If Hushai's counsel (2 Samuel 17:7-14) was so clearly delayed and risky, why would Absalom reject Ahithophel's seemingly superior military advice without further scrutiny? What Does 2 Samuel 15:34 Mean But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for meAhithophel’s advice carried enormous weight—“the advice Ahithophel gave was like one who inquires of God” (2 Samuel 16:23). David knew that if Absalom followed this counselor, the rebellion could succeed. By sending Hushai to undermine that counsel, David trusted God to “turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness” (2 Samuel 15:31). The scene echoes Proverbs 19:21, where many plans exist “but it is the purpose of the LORD that prevails,” and anticipates 2 Samuel 17:14, where the Lord indeed causes Absalom to reject Ahithophel’s plan. if you return to the city Hushai’s effectiveness depended on proximity. By returning to Jerusalem—a city now controlled by the usurper—he could: • hear Ahithophel’s recommendations first-hand (2 Samuel 17:6–7) • offer alternative advice on the spot (2 Samuel 17:11–13) • relay critical information to Zadok, Abiathar, and then to David through their sons (2 Samuel 17:15–16) David’s strategy shows wisdom coupled with faith, reminiscent of Nehemiah’s blend of prayer and practical planning (Nehemiah 4:9). and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; These words were Hushai’s cover story. By openly addressing Absalom as “my king,” he appeared fully aligned with the new regime (2 Samuel 16:19). Scripture often records servants declaring loyalty to monarchs (1 Kings 1:31), so the phrase rang true to Absalom’s ears. Yet God would use this apparent allegiance to save David, illustrating Jesus’ teaching to be “shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). in the past I was your father’s servant, Hushai’s past loyalty to David (1 Chronicles 27:33) added credibility. Absalom could reason, “If he served my father well, why shouldn’t he serve me?” At the same time, mentioning David highlighted the relational bridge Hushai still cherished, much like Paul retained affection for the churches that deserted him (2 Timothy 4:16–17). but now I will be your servant.’ The shift from past to present sounded decisive. Yet beneath the words lay a higher allegiance: Hushai remained David’s friend and, more importantly, God’s instrument. By persuading Absalom to adopt a slower pursuit strategy (2 Samuel 17:11–12), he bought David time to cross the Jordan safely (2 Samuel 17:22). Ahithophel’s subsequent despair and suicide (2 Samuel 17:23) underline Psalm 33:10—“The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples.” summary 2 Samuel 15:34 records David’s Spirit-led plan to place Hushai inside Absalom’s court. Each phrase reveals: • a trust that God can overturn even the wisest worldly counsel, • a practical step of sending a loyal friend back into danger, • a legitimate yet strategic declaration of service that masks deeper fidelity, • and, ultimately, the providence that saved David’s life and preserved the messianic line. The verse reminds believers that God sovereignly works through human actions—both bold faith and careful strategy—to fulfill His unbreakable promises. (34) Say unto Absalom.--David here counsels fraud and treachery, and Hushai willingly accepts the part assigned to him, in order to thwart Ahithophel's counsel and weaken Absalom's rebellion. The narrative simply states the facts without justifying them. But while we cannot too strongly condemn such a stratagem, two things are to be remembered: first, that like frauds in time of war and rebellion have been practised in all ages, and still continue; and, secondly, that David and Hushai had but slender knowledge of the Divine revelation of truth and righteousness which enables us to condemn them, and, therefore, did with a clear conscience many things which we see to be wrong.Verse 34. - Then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. David was thus meeting treachery by treachery, and we cannot approve of it, even granting that Ahithophel's conduct was base and selfish, while Hushai was risking his life for his master. Still, he was sent back to tell a falsehood, and his excuse was necessity; for Ahithophel was so sagacious that, if his counsel were not upset, David's cause was lost. It was not Christian morality, but yet it has a sort of nobleness about it in Hushai's devotion to his king. And even now, in war and diplomacy, such acts are not uncommon, and a distinction is unhappily drawn between political and social morality. Even in common life immoral doings are often sanctioned by use. Thus many customs of trade are frauds, considered legitimate because generally practised. Even among ourselves Christian morality is far below the level of our Master's teaching; and the Old Testament must not be taken as approving all that it records. Similar blame does not attach to Zadok and Abiathar. They were known to be David's friends, and had even tried to go with him, bearing with them the ark. They professed no friendship for Absalom, and returned for no covert purpose, looking for protection, not to guile, but to their sacred office. And Absalom would be glad to have them in his power, and would make them continue the customary sacrifices, and, if his rebellion proved successful, would force them to anoint him, and so give his usurpation a religious sanction. But he would tell them none of his plans, nor would they try to insinuate themselves into his confidence. They would have a perfect right to be useful in any way they could to their true master, but would do so at the risk of severe punishment. Hushai's way of defeating Ahithophel was treacherous; but there was no deceit in the young men carrying a message from him, for they were openly David's friends. |
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