New International Version When Absalom’s men came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” The woman answered them, “They crossed over the brook.” The men searched but found no one, so they returned to Jerusalem. New Living Translation When Absalom’s men arrived, they asked her, “Have you seen Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” The woman replied, “They were here, but they crossed over the brook.” Absalom’s men looked for them without success and returned to Jerusalem. English Standard Version When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they said, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” And the woman said to them, “They have gone over the brook of water.” And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. Berean Standard Bible When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem. Berean Literal Bible And the servants of Absalom came to the woman at the house, and they said, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” And the woman said to them, “They have gone over the brook of water.” And they searched and did not find, and they turned back to Jerusalem. King James Bible And when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. New King James Version And when Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they said, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” So the woman said to them, “They have gone over the water brook.” And when they had searched and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. New American Standard Bible Then Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house and said, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” And the woman said to them, “They have crossed the brook of water.” And when they searched and did not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. NASB 1995 Then Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house and said, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” And the woman said to them, “They have crossed the brook of water.” And when they searched and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. NASB 1977 Then Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house and said, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” And the woman said to them, “They have crossed the brook of water.” And when they searched and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. Legacy Standard Bible Then Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house and said, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” And the woman said to them, “They have crossed the brook of water.” And when they searched and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. Amplified Bible Then Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house and asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” And the woman said to them, “They have crossed over the brook.” When they searched and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. Berean Annotated Bible When Absalom’s (my father is peace) servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz (my brother is wrath) and Jonathan (YHWH has given)? “They have crossed over the brook, she replied. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem (city of peace). Christian Standard Bible Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house and asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan? ” “They passed by toward the water,” the woman replied to them. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem. Holman Christian Standard Bible Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house and asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?"” They passed by toward the water,” the woman replied to them. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem. American Standard Version And Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house; and they said, Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They are gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. Contemporary English Version Absalom's soldiers came to the woman and demanded, "Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?" The woman answered, "They went across that stream." The soldiers went off to look for the two men. But when they did not find the men, they went back to Jerusalem. English Revised Version And Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house; and they said, Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. GOD'S WORD® Translation Absalom's servants came to the woman at her home. "Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?" they asked. The woman said, "They've crossed the stream." The servants looked for them but did not find them. So Absalom's servants returned to Jerusalem. Good News Translation Absalom's officials came to the house and asked the woman, "Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?" "They crossed the river," she answered. The men looked for them but could not find them, and so they returned to Jerusalem. International Standard Version When Absalom's servants approached the woman of the house, they asked her, "Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?" "They've already crossed the brook," the woman answered. So Absalom's servants went away in search of Jonathan and Ahimaaz, but they couldn't find them, so they returned to Jerusalem. NET Bible When the servants of Absalom approached the woman at her home, they asked, "Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?" The woman replied to them, "They crossed over the stream." Absalom's men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem. New Heart English Bible Then Absalom's servants came to the woman at the house, and they asked, "Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?" And the woman said to them, "They have crossed the brook of water." And when they had searched and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. Webster's Bible Translation And when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said to them, they have gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem. World English Bible Absalom’s servants came to the woman to the house; and they said, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” The woman said to them, “They have gone over the brook of water.” When they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the servants of Absalom come to the woman at the house, and say, “Where [are] Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” And the woman says to them, “They passed over the brook of water”; and they seek, and have not found, and return to Jerusalem. Berean Literal Bible And the servants of Absalom came to the woman at the house, and they said, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” And the woman said to them, “They have gone over the brook of water.” And they searched and did not find, and they turned back to Jerusalem. Young's Literal Translation And the servants of Absalom come in unto the woman to the house, and say, 'Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?' and the woman saith to them, 'They passed over the brook of water;' and they seek, and have not found, and turn back to Jerusalem. Smith's Literal Translation And Absalom's servants will come to the woman to her house, and they will say, Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan? and the woman will say to them, They passed over the brook of waters. And they will seek and not find; and they will turn back to Jerusalem. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when Absalom's servants were come into the house, they said to the woman: Where is Achimaas and Jonathan? and the woman answered them: They passed on in haste, after they had tasted a little water. But they that sought them, when they found them not, returned into Jerusalem. Catholic Public Domain Version And when the servants of Absalom had entered into the house, they said to the woman, “Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” And the woman responded to them, “They passed through hurriedly, after they had taken a little water.” But those who were seeking them, when they had not found them, returned to Jerusalem. New American Bible When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” The woman replied, “They went by a short while ago toward the water.” They searched, but found no one, and so returned to Jerusalem. New Revised Standard Version When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they said, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” The woman said to them, “They have crossed over the brook of water.” And when they had searched and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when Absalom's servants came to the woman at the house, they said, Where are Ahimaaz and Nathan? And the woman said to them, They have gone from here, for they wanted water; but when they could not find any, they returned to Jerusalem. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Servants of Abishlum came to the house of the woman and said: “Where are Akhimez and Nathan?” The woman said to them: “They went by themselves from here, because they wanted water and they did not find it, and they returned to Jerusalem” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house; and they said: 'Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?' And the woman said unto them: 'They are gone over the brook of water.' And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the servants of Abessalom came to the woman into the house, and said, Where are Achimaas and Jonathan? and the woman said to them, They are gone a little way beyond the water. And they sought and found them not, and returned to Jerusalem. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Hushai's Warning Saves David…19Then the man’s wife took a covering and spread it over the mouth of the well, scattering grain over it so nobody would know a thing. 20When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem. 21After the men had gone, Ahimaaz and Jonathan climbed up out of the well and went to inform King David, saying, “Get up and cross over the river at once, for Ahithophel has given this advice against you.”… Cross References When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, 1 Samuel 19:11-17 Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” / So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped. / Then Michal took a household idol and laid it in the bed, placed some goat hair on its head, and covered it with a garment. … Joshua 2:1-6 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. / And it was reported to the king of Jericho: “Behold, some men of Israel have come here tonight to spy out the land.” / So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab and said, “Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, for they have come to spy out the whole land.” … Judges 4:17-21 Meanwhile, Sisera had fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because there was peace between Jabin king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. / Jael went out to greet Sisera and said to him, “Come in, my lord. Come in with me. Do not be afraid.” So he entered her tent, and she covered him with a blanket. / Sisera said to her, “Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty.” So she opened a container of milk, gave him a drink, and covered him again. … they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” 2 Kings 6:13-14 So the king said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send men to capture him.” On receiving the report, “Elisha is in Dothan,” / the king of Aram sent horses, chariots, and a great army. They went there by night and surrounded the city. Matthew 2:2 asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” Genesis 37:15-17 a man found him wandering in the field and asked, “What are you looking for?” / “I am looking for my brothers,” Joseph replied. “Can you please tell me where they are pasturing their flocks?” / “They have moved on from here,” the man answered. “I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph set out after his brothers and found them at Dothan. “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. 2 Samuel 15:23 Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly as all the people passed by. And as the king crossed the Kidron Valley, all the people also passed toward the way of the wilderness. John 18:1 After Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples across the Kidron Valley, where they entered a garden. 1 Kings 2:37 On the day you go out and cross the Kidron Valley, know for sure that you will die; your blood will be on your own head.” The men searched but did not find them, Genesis 31:33-35 So Laban went into Jacob’s tent, then Leah’s tent, and then the tents of the two maidservants, but he found nothing. Then he left Leah’s tent and entered Rachel’s tent. / Now Rachel had taken Laban’s household idols, put them in the saddlebag of her camel, and was sitting on them. And Laban searched everything in the tent but found nothing. / Rachel said to her father, “Sir, do not be angry that I cannot stand up before you; for I am having my period.” So Laban searched but could not find the household idols. Proverbs 1:28 Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me, but will not find me. John 7:34 You will look for Me, but you will not find Me; and where I am, you cannot come.” so they returned to Jerusalem. Luke 2:45 When they could not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for Him. Acts 1:12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near the city, a Sabbath day’s journey away. Acts 8:25 And after Peter and John had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many of the Samaritan villages. Joshua 2:4-6 But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. So she said, “Yes, the men did come to me, but I did not know where they had come from. / At dusk, when the gate was about to close, the men went out, and I do not know which way they went. Pursue them quickly, and you may catch them!” / (But Rahab had taken them up to the roof and hidden them among the stalks of flax that she had laid out there.) Treasury of Scripture And when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said to them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. They be gone 2 Samuel 15:34 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. Exodus 1:19 And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them. Joshua 2:4,5 And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were: … when they had sought Joshua 2:22,23 And they went, and came unto the mountain, and abode there three days, until the pursuers were returned: and the pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but found them not… Jump to Previous Absalom Absalom's Ab'salom's Ahimaaz Ahim'a-Az Brook Crossed Find Found House Jerusalem Jonathan Passed Searched Searching Servants Sought Stream Turn WaterJump to Next Absalom Absalom's Ab'salom's Ahimaaz Ahim'a-Az Brook Crossed Find Found House Jerusalem Jonathan Passed Searched Searching Servants Sought Stream Turn Water2 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 When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, Absalom’s men pursued David’s messengers during the rebellion, seeking to prevent vital intelligence from reaching the king. The woman had hidden Ahimaaz and Jonathan and risked punishment by aiding David’s cause. 1Sa 19:11-17 Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house… they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” The two men, sons of the priests Zadok and Abiathar, carried the warning about Ahithophel’s counsel and the need for David to cross the Jordan without delay. 2Ki 6:13-14 So the king said, “Go and see where he is,”… “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. Her answer diverted the searchers while the messengers remained concealed in a well nearby. 2Sa 15:23 Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly… The men searched but did not find them, Their failure preserved the message David needed to escape Absalom’s forces and prepare for the coming conflict. Gen 31:33-35 So Laban went into Jacob’s tent, then Leah’s tent… so they returned to Jerusalem. Absalom’s servants returned empty-handed to the city from which his rebellion was being directed. Luk 2:45 When they could not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem… Persons / Places / Events 1. AbsalomThe son of King David who rebelled against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. 2. Ahimaaz and Jonathan Loyal messengers to King David, tasked with delivering crucial information about Absalom's plans. 3. The Woman at the House An unnamed woman who provided refuge and protection for Ahimaaz and Jonathan, misleading Absalom’s servants to ensure their safety. 4. The Brook A geographical feature mentioned as part of the woman's deceptive answer, indicating a place the messengers supposedly crossed. 5. Jerusalem The capital city of Israel, where Absalom's servants returned after failing to find Ahimaaz and Jonathan. Teaching Points Divine Providence and ProtectionGod often uses unexpected means and people to accomplish His purposes and protect His servants. Moral Complexity in Crisis The woman's deception raises questions about the ethics of lying for a greater good, prompting believers to consider the complexities of moral decisions in crisis situations. Loyalty and Courage Ahimaaz and Jonathan’s mission required bravery and loyalty to King David, exemplifying the virtues of faithfulness and courage in the face of danger. The Role of Women in God’s Plan The unnamed woman’s role in this account highlights how God uses individuals, regardless of status or gender, to fulfill His purposes. Trust in God’s Sovereignty Despite the chaos and danger, the account encourages believers to trust in God’s overarching plan and His ability to protect and guide His people. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 17:20?2. How does 2 Samuel 17:20 demonstrate God's protection over His chosen servants? 3. What can we learn about divine intervention from 2 Samuel 17:20? 4. How does 2 Samuel 17:20 connect with God's faithfulness in Psalm 91:4? 5. How can we apply the lesson of divine protection in our daily lives? 6. What role does truth play in the unfolding events of 2 Samuel 17:20? 7. Why did the woman mislead Absalom's servants in 2 Samuel 17:20? 8. How does 2 Samuel 17:20 reflect on the theme of loyalty and deception? 9. What historical context explains the events in 2 Samuel 17:20? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 17? (20) The brook of water.--This peculiar word for brook occurs only here, and is thought by some writers to be a proper name. A small brook bearing the same name, Michal, is said to exist now in this locality. On the deceit practised by the women, comp. Joshua 2:4-7; 1Samuel 19:12-17. The historian simply records without comment what was done.Verse 20. - They be gone over the brook of water. The word michal, translated "brook," does not occur elsewhere, and probably it was a local name for some stream near Bahurim. It was, we may suppose, in the right direction, but when the pursuers had followed for some time, and caught no glimpse of the runners, knowing their swiftness of foot, they concluded that they had outstripped them. and, giving up the chase as hopeless, returned to Jerusalem. It was only when she had seen them far on their way back that she removed the cover and allowed the young priests to resume their journey. The delay, would have been fatal to David if vigorous counsel had been followed at Jerusalem; as it was, they reached David's camp without further incident, and acquainted him with Ahithophel's plan; and the king at once recognized his danger, and without more delay, commenced at once the passage of the Jordan, and carried it out so skilfully and rapidly, that by the morning every one of his company was safe on the other side. 2 Samuel 17:20 records a real historical moment in which God safeguarded David’s loyal messengers through the courageous intervention of an unnamed woman. Each clause shows divine providence overruling human schemes—Absalom’s servants arrive, inquire, receive a misleading but protective answer, fail in their search, and retreat. The verse teaches that when God purposes to preserve His kingdom plan, no enemy pursuit can prevail. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew When Absalom’sאַבְשָׁל֨וֹם (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites servants עַבְדֵי֩ (‘aḇ·ḏê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 5650: Slave, servant came וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to אֶֽל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the woman הָאִשָּׁ֜ה (hā·’iš·šāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female at the house, הַבַּ֗יְתָה (hab·bay·ṯāh) Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 1004: A house they asked, וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say “Where אַיֵּ֗ה (’ay·yêh) Interrogative Strong's 346: Where? are Ahimaaz אֲחִימַ֙עַץ֙ (’ă·ḥî·ma·‘aṣ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 290: Ahimaaz -- 'my brother is wrath', two Israelites and Jonathan?” וִיה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן (wî·hō·w·nā·ṯān) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites “They have crossed over עָבְר֖וּ (‘ā·ḇə·rū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on the brook,” מִיכַ֣ל (mî·ḵal) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4323: A container, a streamlet she הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה (hā·’iš·šāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female replied. וַתֹּ֤אמֶר (wat·tō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say The men searched וַיְבַקְשׁוּ֙ (way·ḇaq·šū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after but did not וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no find [them], מָצָ֔אוּ (mā·ṣā·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present so they returned וַיָּשֻׁ֖בוּ (way·yā·šu·ḇū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again to Jerusalem. יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (yə·rū·šā·lim) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel Additonal Resources 2 Samuel 17:20 Blue Letter Bible2 Samuel 17:20 Bible Gateway 2 Samuel 17:20 Bible.com 2 Samuel 17:20 NIV |
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