New International Version You know your father and his men; they are fighters, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Besides, your father is an experienced fighter; he will not spend the night with the troops. New Living Translation You know your father and his men; they are mighty warriors. Right now they are as enraged as a mother bear who has been robbed of her cubs. And remember that your father is an experienced man of war. He won’t be spending the night among the troops. English Standard Version Hushai said, “You know that your father and his men are mighty men, and that they are enraged, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field. Besides, your father is expert in war; he will not spend the night with the people. Berean Standard Bible He continued, “You know your father and his men. They are mighty men, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Moreover, your father is a man of war who will not spend the night with the troops. Berean Literal Bible And Hushai said, “You know your father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are bitter of spirit, like a bereaved bear in the field. And your father is a man of war, and he will not spend the night with the people. King James Bible For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. New King James Version For,” said Hushai, “you know your father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are enraged in their minds, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field; and your father is a man of war, and will not camp with the people. New American Standard Bible Then Hushai said, “You yourself know your father and his men, that they are warriors and they are fierce, like a bear deprived of her cubs in the field. And your father is an expert in warfare, and he will not spend the night with the people. NASB 1995 Moreover, Hushai said, “You know your father and his men, that they are mighty men and they are fierce, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field. And your father is an expert in warfare, and will not spend the night with the people. NASB 1977 Moreover, Hushai said, “You know your father and his men, that they are mighty men and they are fierce, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field. And your father is an expert in warfare, and will not spend the night with the people. Legacy Standard Bible Then Hushai said, “You know your father and his men, that they are mighty men and they are bitter of soul, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field. And your father is a man of war, and will not spend the night with the people. Amplified Bible And Hushai said, “You know your father and his men, that they are brave men, and they are enraged and fierce, like a bear deprived of her cubs in the field. Your father is a [shrewd] man of war, and will not spend the night with the people [knowing that you seek his life]. Berean Annotated Bible He (hastening) continued, “You know your father and his men. They are mighty men, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Moreover, your father is a man of war who will not spend the night with the troops. Christian Standard Bible Hushai continued, “You know your father and his men. They are warriors and are desperate like a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Your father is an experienced soldier who won’t spend the night with the people. Holman Christian Standard Bible Hushai continued, “You know your father and his men. They are warriors and are desperate like a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Your father is an experienced soldier who won’t spend the night with the people. American Standard Version Hushai said moreover, Thou knowest thy father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field; and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. Contemporary English Version You know that your father and his followers are real warriors. Now they are as fierce as a mother bear whose cubs have just been killed. Besides, your father has a lot of experience in fighting wars, and he won't be spending the night with the others. English Revised Version Hushai said moreover, Thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. GOD'S WORD® Translation "You know your father and his men. They are warriors as fierce as a wild bear whose cubs have been stolen. Your father is an experienced soldier. He will not camp with the troops tonight. Good News Translation You know that your father David and his men are hard fighters and that they are as fierce as a mother bear robbed of her cubs. Your father is an experienced soldier and does not stay with his men at night. International Standard Version "You know how strong your father and his men are. They're as mad as a bear robbed of her cubs! Furthermore, your father is a skilled warrior. He won't stay with his army at night. NET Bible Hushai went on to say, "You know your father and his men--they are soldiers and are as dangerous as a bear out in the wild that has been robbed of her cubs. Your father is an experienced soldier; he will not stay overnight with the army. New Heart English Bible Moreover, Hushai said, "You know your father and his men, that they are warriors, and that they are as fierce as a bear robbed of her cubs in the wild, or a sow snared in the wild. Your father is expert in war, and will not camp with the people. Webster's Bible Translation For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe continued, “You know your father and his men. They are mighty men, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Moreover, your father is a man of war who will not spend the night with the troops. World English Bible Hushai said moreover, “You know your father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are fierce in their minds, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field. Your father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Hushai says, “You have known your father and his men, that they [are] heroes, and they are bitter in soul as a bereaved bear in a field, and your father [is] a man of war, and does not lodge with the people; Berean Literal Bible And Hushai said, “You know your father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are bitter of spirit, like a bereaved bear in the field. And your father is a man of war, and he will not spend the night with the people. Young's Literal Translation And Hushai saith, 'Thou hast known thy father and his men, that they are heroes, and they are bitter in soul as a bereaved bear in a field, and thy father is a man of war, and doth not lodge with the people; Smith's Literal Translation And Hushai will say, Thou knewest thy father and his men that they are mighty, and they bitter of soul as a bear bereaved of offspring in the field: and thy father a man of war, and he will not lodge with the people. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd again Chusai said: Thou knowest thy father, and the men that are with him, that they are very valiant, and bitter in their mind, as a bear raging in the wood when her whelps are taken away: and thy father is a warrior, and will not lodge with the people. Catholic Public Domain Version And again Hushai declared, “You know your father, and the men who are with him, to be very strong and bitter in soul, comparable to a bear raging in the forest when her young have been taken away. Moreover, your father is a man of war, and so he will not live among the people. New American Bible And he went on to say: “You know that your father and his men are warriors, and that they are as fierce as a bear in the wild robbed of her cubs. Moreover, since your father is a skilled fighter, he will not spend the night with the army. New Revised Standard Version Hushai continued, “You know that your father and his men are warriors, and that they are enraged, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field. Besides, your father is expert in war; he will not spend the night with the troops. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor said Hushai to Absalom. You know well that your father and his servants are mighty men, and they are furious as a bear that devours the prey in the field; moreover, your father is a man of war, and will not spend the night with the people. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Khushi said to him: “You are aware of your father and his Servants, that they are mighty men, enraged of soul like a bear that is wounded in the field, and your father is a man Warrior and does not spend the night beside the people OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Hushai said moreover: 'Thou knowest thy father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are embittered in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field; and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Chusi said, Thou knowest thy father and his men, that they are very mighty, and bitter in their spirit, as a bereaved bear in the field, and as a wild boar in the plain: and thy father is a man of war, and will not give the people rest. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Hushai Counters Ahithophel's Advice…7Hushai replied, “This time the advice of Ahithophel is not sound.” 8He continued, “You know your father and his men. They are mighty men, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Moreover, your father is a man of war who will not spend the night with the troops. 9Surely by now he is hiding in a cave or some other location. If some of your troops fall first, whoever hears of it will say, ‘There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom.’… Cross References He continued, “You know your father and his men. 1 Samuel 23:13 Then David and his men, about six hundred strong, set out and departed from Keilah, moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he declined to go forth. 1 Samuel 30:9 So David and his six hundred men went to the Brook of Besor, where some stayed behind They are mighty men, 2 Samuel 23:8 These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time. 1 Chronicles 11:10 Now these were the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who, together with all Israel, bolstered and strengthened his kingdom, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel. and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Proverbs 17:12 It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly. Hosea 13:8 Like a bear robbed of her cubs I will attack them, and I will tear open their chests. There I will devour them like a lion, like a wild beast tearing them apart. Moreover, your father is a man of war 1 Chronicles 28:3 but God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for My Name, because you are a man of war who has shed blood.’ 1 Samuel 16:18 One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.” who will not spend the night with the troops. 1 Samuel 26:2-3 So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there. / Saul camped beside the road at the hill of Hachilah opposite Jeshimon, but David was living in the wilderness. When he realized that Saul had followed him there, 1 Samuel 24:1-3 After Saul had returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.” / So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. / Soon Saul came to the sheepfolds along the road, where there was a cave, and he went in to relieve himself. And David and his men were hiding in the recesses of the cave. 1 Samuel 17:34-36 David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, / I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. / Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” 1 Samuel 18:27 David and his men went out and killed two hundred Philistines. He brought their foreskins and presented them as payment in full to become the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave his daughter Michal to David in marriage. 1 Samuel 22:2 And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him. 1 Samuel 24:2 So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. 1 Samuel 25:13 And David said to his men, “Strap on your swords!” So David and all his men strapped on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies. 1 Samuel 30:8 and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” Treasury of Scripture For, said Hushai, you know your father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and your father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. mighty men 2 Samuel 15:18 And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king. 2 Samuel 21:18-22 And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant… 2 Samuel 23:8,9,16,18,20-22 These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time… Judges 18:25 And the children of Dan said unto him, Let not thy voice be heard among us, lest angry fellows run upon thee, and thou lose thy life, with the lives of thy household. as a bear 2 Kings 2:24 And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them. Proverbs 17:12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. Proverbs 28:15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. thy father is 1 Samuel 23:23 See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah. Jump to Previous Bear Besides Bitter Cubs Embittered Enraged Expert Feelings Field Fierce Fighters Further Hushai Lodge Mighty Minds Moreover Night's Ones Rest Robbed Spend Spirit War Warfare Whelps Wild YoungJump to Next Bear Besides Bitter Cubs Embittered Enraged Expert Feelings Field Fierce Fighters Further Hushai Lodge Mighty Minds Moreover Night's Ones Rest Robbed Spend Spirit War Warfare Whelps Wild Young2 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 He continued, “You know your father and his men. Hushai appealed to Absalom’s knowledge of David’s military record. David had long been recognized throughout Israel as a capable commander, and the seasoned warriors who followed him had repeatedly proven their loyalty and effectiveness in battle. 1Sa 23:13 Then David and his men, about six hundred strong,… They are mighty men, David’s fighting force included hardened veterans whose courage and skill were well known. Their reputation made them a serious threat to Absalom’s less experienced army. 2Sa 23:8 These are the names of David’s mighty men:… and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. David and his men had been driven from Jerusalem and were prepared to fight for their lives. Hushai portrayed them as dangerous, determined opponents who would respond fiercely to any attack. Pro 17:12 It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs… Moreover, your father is a man of war David’s victories, beginning with Goliath and continuing through years of conflict against Israel’s enemies, had established him as an experienced and resourceful military leader. Absalom could not safely assume that David would be easily defeated. 1Ch 28:3 But God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house… who will not spend the night with the troops. David would not remain in an obvious location where he could be trapped or attacked. His experience taught him to move carefully, use the terrain, and keep his enemies uncertain of his plans. 1Sa 26:2-3 So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men… Persons / Places / Events 1. Hushai the ArchiteA loyal friend and advisor to King David, who infiltrated Absalom's court to counteract the counsel of Ahithophel. 2. David The King of Israel, known for his military prowess and deep relationship with God. At this time, he is fleeing from his son Absalom, who has usurped the throne. 3. Absalom David's son, who has declared himself king and is seeking to solidify his power by pursuing David. 4. Ahithophel A former advisor to David, now advising Absalom. Known for his wise counsel, which was considered almost as if one had inquired of God. 5. The Wilderness The setting where David and his men are hiding, emphasizing the strategic and survivalist aspects of David's leadership. Teaching Points The Importance of Wise CounselHushai's advice demonstrates the power of strategic thinking and the importance of seeking wise counsel in times of crisis. Understanding the Enemy Recognizing the strengths and potential reactions of those we face can help us make informed decisions, as Hushai did by acknowledging David's capabilities. God's Sovereignty in Leadership Despite the turmoil, God's hand is evident in the unfolding events, reminding us that He is in control even when circumstances seem dire. The Power of Reputation David's established reputation as a warrior influences the decisions of others, highlighting the long-term impact of our actions and character. Trust in God's Protection Like David, we can trust in God's protection and guidance, even when we are in the wilderness of life's challenges. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 17:8?2. How does 2 Samuel 17:8 illustrate David's warrior nature and leadership qualities? 3. What lessons can we learn from David's resilience in 2 Samuel 17:8? 4. How does David's experience in 2 Samuel 17:8 connect with Psalm 23's themes? 5. How can we apply David's strategic thinking in 2 Samuel 17:8 to our lives? 6. In what ways does 2 Samuel 17:8 demonstrate God's protection over His anointed? 7. How does 2 Samuel 17:8 reflect David's military strategy and leadership qualities? 8. What does 2 Samuel 17:8 reveal about the perception of David's warriors? 9. How does the description in 2 Samuel 17:8 align with historical accounts of ancient warfare? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 17? 2 Samuel 17:8 is Hushai’s masterful reminder that David and his men are seasoned, furious, and tactically shrewd warriors under God’s providence. Each phrase underscores why an impulsive strike would fail: Absalom faces veterans famed for valor, burning with protective fury, led by a strategist who never sleeps in the obvious place. Hushai’s counsel not only buys David precious time but also affirms the enduring truth that God-shaped courage and wisdom outmatch numerical strength every time. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew [He]חוּשַׁ֗י (ḥū·šay) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2365: Hushai -- two Israelites continued, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “You אַתָּ֣ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you know יָ֠דַעְתָּ (yā·ḏa‘·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 3045: To know your father אָבִ֨יךָ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 1: Father and his men. אֲנָשָׁ֜יו (’ă·nā·šāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person They [are] הֵ֗מָּה (hêm·māh) Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They mighty men, גִבֹּרִ֣ים (ḡib·bō·rîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 1368: Powerful, warrior, tyrant and as fierce וּמָרֵ֥י (ū·mā·rê) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural construct Strong's 4751: Bitter, bitterness, bitterly as a wild בַּשָּׂדֶ֑ה (baś·śā·ḏeh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7704: Field, land bear כְּדֹ֥ב (kə·ḏōḇ) Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1677: The bear robbed of her cubs. שַׁכּ֖וּל (šak·kūl) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7909: Childless Moreover, your father [is] וְאָבִ֙יךָ֙ (wə·’ā·ḇî·ḵā) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 1: Father a man אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of war מִלְחָמָ֔ה (mil·ḥā·māh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4421: A battle, war who will not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no spend the night יָלִ֖ין (yā·lîn) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3885: To stop, to stay permanently, to be obstinate with אֶת־ (’eṯ-) Preposition Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among the troops. הָעָֽם׃ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock Additonal Resources 2 Samuel 17:8 Blue Letter Bible2 Samuel 17:8 Bible Gateway 2 Samuel 17:8 Bible.com 2 Samuel 17:8 NIV |
    |