Questions and Answers
How many men did Ahithophel suggest Absalom choose to pursue David?
12,000 men
When did Ahithophel advise Absalom to pursue David?
tonight
I will come upon him while he is _____ and _____, and make him ______.
weary, weak, afraid
Who did Ahithophel advise to strike only?
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Who would Ahithophel bring back to Absalom according to his plan?
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Whose counsel pleased Absalom according to 2 Samuel 17:4?
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Whose advice did Absalom seek after Ahithophel's?
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Did Hushai say that Ahithophel's advice was good at this time?
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Study Notes
Ahithophel's Plan
- Ahithophel advised Absalom to pursue David with 12,000 men.
- The pursuit should begin that very night.
- Ahithophel's strategy involved attacking David when he was weary and weak to instill fear.
Target of the Attack
- Ahithophel suggested striking only the king, David.
- His plan included bringing back all of David's followers after removing him.
Reception of Advice
- Absalom and the elders of Israel were pleased with Ahithophel's counsel.
- After receiving Ahithophel's advice, Absalom sought the opinion of Hushai the Archite.
Hushai's Counter-Advice
- Hushai deemed Ahithophel's plan unsuitable at that time.
- He warned that David and his men were strong, resembling an enraged bear, ready for battle.
- Hushai suggested that David might be hiding in a pit or elsewhere, stressing a swift attack.
Tactical Suggestions
- Hushai proposed that Absalom should join the battle rather than stay in Jerusalem.
- He described David's potential ambush strategy likening it to dew falling upon the ground.
Absalom's Decision
- Absalom ultimately favored Hushai's advice over Ahithophel's.
- The Lord was noted to have predetermined the downfall of Ahithophel's good advice, intending to bring disaster upon Absalom.
Communication of Plans
- Hushai informed priests Zadok and Abiathar about Ahithophel's advice and the urgency for David to act.
- He cautioned David against spending the night in the wilderness to avoid capture.
Spies' Operation
- Jonathan and Ahimaaz were hiding in En Rogel, awaiting news.
- A female servant relayed the message for David, while they remained unseen to avoid detection.
Evasion from Capture
- A boy reported Jonathan and Ahimaaz's location to Absalom.
- The two managed to hide in a well when pursued, aided by a woman's clever hiding tactics.
Distracting Absalom's Servants
- The woman covered the well's opening with grain to prevent detection.
- When questioned by Absalom's men, she claimed that the two had crossed over a nearby water brook, successfully buying them time.
Outcome of Search
- Absalom's servants failed to locate Ahimaaz and Jonathan despite searching for them.
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Test your knowledge of key concepts from 2 Samuel Chapter 17 with these flashcards. Each card explores significant details and insights from the chapter, including Ahithophel's advice and plans regarding David. It's a great way to reinforce your understanding of this biblical text.