Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version I would attack him while he is weary and weak. I would strike him with terror, and then all the people with him will flee. I would strike down only the king New Living Translation I will catch up with him while he is weary and discouraged. He and his troops will panic, and everyone will run away. Then I will kill only the king, English Standard Version I will come upon him while he is weary and discouraged and throw him into a panic, and all the people who are with him will flee. I will strike down only the king, Berean Standard Bible I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king Berean Literal Bible And I will come upon him, and he is weary and weak handed, and I will cause him to tremble, and all the people will flee who are with him. And I will strike the king by himself, King James Bible And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only: New King James Version I will come upon him while he is weary and weak, and make him afraid. And all the people who are with him will flee, and I will strike only the king. New American Standard Bible And I will attack him while he is weary and exhausted and startle him, so that all the people who are with him will flee. Then I will strike and kill the king when he is alone, NASB 1995 “I will come upon him while he is weary and exhausted and terrify him, so that all the people who are with him will flee. Then I will strike down the king alone, NASB 1977 “And I will come upon him while he is weary and exhausted and will terrify him so that all the people who are with him will flee. Then I will strike down the king alone, Legacy Standard Bible And I will come upon him while he is weary with his hands falling limp and throw him into utter fright, so that all the people who are with him will flee. Then I will strike down the king alone, Amplified Bible I will strike while he is weary and exhausted, and terrify him; and all the people with him will flee [in terror]. Then I will attack the king alone, Berean Annotated Bible I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king Christian Standard Bible I will attack him while he is weary and discouraged, throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will scatter. I will strike down only the king Holman Christian Standard Bible I will attack him while he is weak and weary, throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will scatter. I will strike down only the king American Standard Version and I will come upon him while he is weary and weak-handed, and will make him afraid; and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only; Contemporary English Version while he is tired and discouraged. He will panic, and everyone with him will run away. I won't kill anyone except David, English Revised Version and I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only: GOD'S WORD® Translation I'll attack him while he's tired and weak, and I'll cause him to panic. All the people with him will flee, but I'll kill only him. Good News Translation I will attack him while he is tired and discouraged. He will be frightened, and all his men will run away. I will kill only the king International Standard Version "I'll catch him while he is still tired and weak. I'll frighten him so all his people with him desert him. But I'll only kill the king. NET Bible When I catch up with him he will be exhausted and worn out. I will rout him, and the entire army that is with him will flee. I will kill only the king New Heart English Bible And I will catch up with him while he is weary and discouraged, and will thow him into a panic, and all the people who are with him will flee. And I will strike the king alone. Webster's Bible Translation And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak-handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleI will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king World English Bible I will come on him while he is weary and exhausted, and will make him afraid. All the people who are with him will flee. I will strike the king only, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand come on him, and he [will be] weary and feeble-handed, and I have caused him to tremble, and all the people who [are] with him have fled, and I have struck the king by himself, Berean Literal Bible And I will come upon him, and he is weary and weak handed, and I will cause him to tremble, and all the people will flee who are with him. And I will strike the king by himself, Young's Literal Translation and come upon him, and he weary and feeble-handed, and I have caused him to tremble, and all the people have fled who are with him, and I have smitten the king by himself, Smith's Literal Translation And I shall come upon him and he being weary and relaxed in hands, and I made him afraid: and all the people which are with him, fleeing; and I struck the king alone, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd coming upon him (for he is now weary, and weak handed) I will defeat him: and when all the people is put to flight that is with him, I will kill the king who will be left alone. Catholic Public Domain Version And rushing against him, for he is weary and has weakened hands, I will strike him. And when all the people who are with him will have fled, I will strike down the king in isolation. New American Bible If I come upon him when he is weary and discouraged, I shall cause him panic, and all the people with him will flee, and I shall strike down the king alone. New Revised Standard Version I will come upon him while he is weary and discouraged, and throw him into a panic; and all the people who are with him will flee. I will strike down only the king, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd I will overtake him while he is weary and weak, and I will throw him into a panic, and all the people who are with him shall flee, and I will kill the king only; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And I shall overtake him while he is weary and his hands are weak, and I shall trouble him, and all the people which are with him will run and I shall kill the King alone OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and I will come upon him while he is weary and weak-handed, and will make him afraid; and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only; Brenton Septuagint Translation and I will come upon him when he is weary and weak-handed, and I will strike him with terror; and all the people with him shall flee, and I will smite the king only of all. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Hushai Counters Ahithophel's Advice1Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. 2I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king 3and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.”… Cross References I will attack him while he is weak and weary; 2 Samuel 16:14 Finally, the king and all the people with him arrived, exhausted. And there he refreshed himself. Deuteronomy 25:18 how they met you on your journey when you were tired and weary, and they attacked all your stragglers; they had no fear of God. 1 Samuel 30:10 because two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the brook. But David and four hundred men continued in pursuit. I will throw him into a panic, 1 Samuel 14:15 Then panic 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. Exodus 23:27 I will send My terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn and run. Deuteronomy 2:25 This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon all the nations under heaven. They will hear the reports of you and tremble in anguish because of you.” and all the people with him will flee; 2 Samuel 15:14 And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.” Deuteronomy 28:25 The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies. You will march out against them in one direction but flee from them in seven. You will be an object of horror to all the kingdoms of the earth. 2 Kings 7:7 Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives. I will strike down only the king 1 Samuel 26:9 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” 1 Samuel 24:6 So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” 2 Samuel 1:14 So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” 2 Samuel 16:21-22 Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” / So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. 2 Samuel 18:14-15 But Joab declared, “I am not going to wait like this with you!” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak tree. / And ten young men who carried Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him. 1 Kings 2:25 So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died. 1 Kings 2:29-34 It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” / And the king replied, “Do just as he says. Strike him down and bury him, and so remove from me and from the house of my father the innocent blood that Joab shed. … Treasury of Scripture And I will come on him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only: weary 2 Samuel 16:14 And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there. Deuteronomy 25:18 How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God. I will smite 1 Kings 22:31 But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had rule over his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel. Zechariah 13:7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones. Matthew 21:38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. Jump to Previous Afraid Alone Attack Caused Discouraged Exhausted Fear Feeble Feeble-Handed Fled Flee Flight Full Handed Panic Smite Smitten Strike Terrify Throw Tired Tremble Weak WearyJump to Next Afraid Alone Attack Caused Discouraged Exhausted Fear Feeble Feeble-Handed Fled Flee Flight Full Handed Panic Smite Smitten Strike Terrify Throw Tired Tremble Weak Weary2 Samuel 17 1. Ahithophel's counsel is overthrown by Hushai's15. Secret intelligence is sent unto David 23. Ahithophel hangs himself 25. Amasa is made captain 27. David at Mahanaim is furnished with provisions I will attack him while he is weak and weary; This phrase reflects Ahithophel's strategic counsel to Absalom, suggesting an attack on David during a vulnerable moment. The context is Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. David, having fled Jerusalem, is in a state of physical and emotional exhaustion. This mirrors other biblical instances where enemies sought to exploit moments of weakness, such as Amalek's attack on the Israelites in Exodus 17:8-16. The idea of striking when an opponent is weak is a common military tactic, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness in spiritual warfare (1 Peter 5:8). I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king. Persons / Places / Events 1. AhithophelA counselor to King David who later defected to Absalom. Known for his wise counsel, Ahithophel proposed a strategic plan to attack David. 2. David The King of Israel, who is in a vulnerable position due to his son Absalom's rebellion. David is described as weary and weak in this passage. 3. Absalom David's son, who has declared himself king and is seeking to solidify his power by pursuing David. 4. The Wilderness The setting where David and his followers are hiding, emphasizing their vulnerable state. 5. The Plan of Attack Ahithophel's proposal to strike David while he is vulnerable, aiming to cause panic and disarray among David's followers. Teaching Points The Reality of Spiritual WarfareJust as David faced physical threats, believers face spiritual battles. We must be aware of the enemy's tactics, especially during times of weakness. The Importance of Godly Counsel Ahithophel's counsel was strategic but not aligned with God's will. Seek counsel that aligns with Scripture and God's purposes. Trust in God's Sovereignty Despite human plans, God's purposes prevail. David's account reminds us to trust in God's ultimate control over our circumstances. The Power of Prayer and Vigilance In times of vulnerability, prayer and vigilance are crucial. Like David, we should turn to God for strength and guidance. Leadership and Responsibility David's situation highlights the weight of leadership. Leaders must rely on God and make decisions that reflect His wisdom and justice. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 17:2?2. How does Ahithophel's plan in 2 Samuel 17:2 reveal his strategic mindset? 3. What does Ahithophel's advice teach about the dangers of ungodly counsel? 4. How can we discern and avoid ungodly advice in our own lives today? 5. Compare Ahithophel's plan with God's guidance in Proverbs 3:5-6. What contrasts exist? 6. How can we ensure our plans align with God's will, unlike Ahithophel's? 7. What does 2 Samuel 17:2 reveal about God's role in human plans and decisions? 8. How does 2 Samuel 17:2 reflect the theme of divine justice in the Bible? 9. What historical context is essential to understanding 2 Samuel 17:2? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 17? 11. Does Ezekiel 17:12-15's account of Zedekiah's rebellion against Babylon conflict with the historical timeline recorded in 2 Kings 24-25? 12. In 2 Samuel 17:1-4, is there any archaeological evidence or external record supporting Ahithophel's plan to immediately strike David, or is this strategy purely literary? 13. 2 Kings 17:34-39 - If God's covenant with Israel was everlasting, how does the text reconcile this with the assertion that He 'rejected all the descendants of Israel?' 14. In 2 Chronicles 30:6, how could King Hezekiah send invitations throughout the northern kingdom if they had already been exiled according to 2 Kings 17? What Does 2 Samuel 17:2 Mean I will attack him while he is weak and weary• Ahithophel’s counsel hinges on seizing David at his lowest ebb—physically drained from the hasty flight across the Kidron and emotionally burdened by Absalom’s betrayal (2 Samuel 15:30). • Scripture often shows enemies striking God’s people in moments of exhaustion, just as Amalek attacked Israel’s stragglers (Deuteronomy 25:17-18) or as Gideon’s band was “weary yet pursuing” (Judges 8:4). • The principle still stands: spiritual adversaries look for fatigue and discouragement (1 Peter 5:8). Remaining alert and dependent on the Lord guards against such calculated assaults (Mark 14:38). I will throw him into a panic • Fear can unravel even seasoned warriors. Ahithophel expects sudden terror to spread through David’s camp, much like the divinely sent confusion that toppled the Philistines before Jonathan (1 Samuel 14:15-20) or the dread that froze Midian (Judges 7:21-22). • Panic magnifies weakness. David knew this dynamic when he prayed, “Let all my enemies be ashamed and terrified” (Psalm 6:10). Ahithophel tries to weaponize it for evil, counting on shock and awe rather than protracted battle. All the people with him will flee • Once panic starts, loyalty fractures. Zechariah’s prophecy—“Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered” (Zechariah 13:7)—mirrors Ahithophel’s calculation. Jesus later cited this truth about His own disciples (John 16:32). • Absalom’s strategist banks on the demoralizing effect seen when Israel fled before Goliath (1 Samuel 17:24) or when the northern armies deserted Pekah (2 Chronicles 28:6). Without firm leadership, crowds often scatter. I will strike down only the king • By isolating the target, Ahithophel aims to end the conflict swiftly: “I would bring all the people back to you as a bride returns to her husband. You seek the life of only one man” (2 Samuel 17:3). • Similar tactics surface when Ben-hadad ordered his chariot commanders, “Fight only the king of Israel” (1 Kings 22:31), and when Syria focused on Joram alone (2 Kings 8:28-29). • Yet God overrules: Hushai’s counsel delays the plan, David is preserved, and Ahithophel’s scheme collapses (2 Samuel 17:14, 23). The Lord “frustrates the plans of the crafty” (Job 5:12). summary 2 Samuel 17:2 records a shrewd but ruthless plan: attack David when exhausted, unleash panic, scatter his followers, and execute only the king. The verse exposes how human wisdom plots against God’s anointed, but the broader passage shows the Lord turning that wisdom to folly. Believers today can draw confidence that, even when enemies exploit weakness, God’s sovereign protection stands firm and His purposes prevail. (2) Will make him afraid.--This translation is hardly strong enough. The thought is that Ahithophel will throw his band into a panic by a sudden night attack, and in the confusion will easily secure the person of the king.Hebrew I will attackוְאָב֣וֹא (wə·’ā·ḇō·w) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go him while he וְה֤וּא (wə·hū) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are is weak וּרְפֵ֣ה (ū·rə·p̄êh) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular construct Strong's 7504: An Israelite in the line of Saul and weary; יָגֵ֙עַ֙ (yā·ḡê·a‘) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 3023: Weary, wearisome I will throw him into a panic, וְהַֽחֲרַדְתִּ֣י (wə·ha·ḥă·raḏ·tî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular Strong's 2729: To shudder with terror, to fear, to hasten and all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the people הָעָ֣ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock with him אִתּ֑וֹ (’it·tōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among will flee; וְנָ֖ס (wə·nās) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away I will strike down וְהִכֵּיתִ֥י (wə·hik·kê·ṯî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular Strong's 5221: To strike only לְבַדּֽוֹ׃ (lə·ḇad·dōw) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 905: Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of the king הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king Links 2 Samuel 17:2 NIV2 Samuel 17:2 NLT 2 Samuel 17:2 ESV 2 Samuel 17:2 NASB 2 Samuel 17:2 KJV 2 Samuel 17:2 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 17:2 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 17:2 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 17:2 French Bible 2 Samuel 17:2 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 17:2 And I will come on him while (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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