Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:

2 SAMUEL 17:1KJV
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2 Samuel 17:1 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 17:1 mean?

2 Samuel 17:1 describes Ahithophel advising Absalom to let him choose twelve thousand men so he can immediately pursue David that night. Ahithophel is proposing a swift military action against David, aiming to catch him off guard.

Ahithophel, a trusted counselor, is speaking to Absalom, who has just taken over Jerusalem after rebelling against his father David. The situation is tense: David is fleeing for his life, and Ahithophel wants to strike quickly before David can regroup. The verse highlights the urgency and scale of Ahithophel’s plan, as well as his influence over Absalom’s decisions.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 17:1

  • "Choose out" (בָּחַר, bachar): This word means to select carefully or pick out with intention. Ahithophel is not suggesting a random group, but a specifically chosen force, which shows his strategic thinking.
  • "Twelve thousand" (שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר, shenayim asar for "twelve"; אֶלֶף, eleph for "thousand"): The specific number suggests a large, organized force, not just a small raiding party. This detail emphasizes the seriousness of Ahithophel’s proposal.
  • "Pursue" (רָדַף, radaph): This word often carries the sense of chasing with determination. Ahithophel’s plan is aggressive and relentless, aiming to overtake David quickly.
  • "Night" (לַיְלָה, laylah): The mention of night shows the plan’s urgency and the element of surprise, as nighttime attacks were risky but could catch an enemy unprepared.

Why 2 Samuel 17:1 matters

  • This verse shows how quickly the situation has turned against David, with his former advisor now plotting against him and urging immediate action.
  • The scale and urgency of Ahithophel’s plan reveal both his military insight and the real danger David faces at this moment.
  • Understanding Ahithophel’s advice helps make sense of the tension in the following verses, where David’s survival hangs on whether Absalom follows this counsel.

Where else these words appear

“Ahithophel” Hebrew H302 · used in 17 verses

  • 2 Samuel 15:12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
  • 2 Samuel 16:21 And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.
  • 2 Samuel 17:15 Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.

“Absalom” Hebrew H53 · used in 92 verses

  • 2 Samuel 3:3 And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
  • 2 Samuel 15:1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
  • 2 Samuel 17:18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.

“pursue” Hebrew H7291 · used in 135 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Judges 8:4 And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them.
  • Psalms 69:26 For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded.