2 Samuel 17:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 17:13 mean?

2 Samuel 17:13 describes a plan to capture someone who has taken refuge in a city by having all of Israel use ropes to drag the entire city into a river, leaving nothing behind. The verse uses dramatic language to emphasize the total destruction that would be brought upon the city to ensure the person could not escape.

In this passage, Hushai is speaking to Absalom, advising him on how to deal with David if he hides in a city. Hushai’s advice is meant to sound overwhelming and impossible to resist, suggesting that all Israel would unite to destroy even a fortified city if necessary. This is part of Hushai’s strategy to delay Absalom and protect David.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 17:13

• "Ropes" (חֶבֶל, ḥével): This word means ropes or cords. The image of all Israel bringing ropes highlights the idea of a massive, united effort to destroy the city.
• "Draw" (שָׁחַב, shakhav): Here, it means to drag or pull. The suggestion is not just to attack but to physically drag the city into the river, emphasizing complete destruction.
• "River" (נַחַל, nakhal): This word usually refers to a wadi or stream, often a seasonal riverbed. The idea is to sweep the city away with water, leaving nothing behind.
• "Stone" (אֶבֶן, even): Mentioning that not even a small stone would be left stresses the thoroughness of the destruction being described.

Why 2 Samuel 17:13 matters

• This verse shows the extreme and almost exaggerated nature of Hushai’s advice, which was meant to impress Absalom and buy time for David.
• The language reveals the seriousness of the threat against David and the lengths to which Absalom’s followers might go.
• Understanding this verse helps clarify the larger strategy at play in the story: Hushai is intentionally giving advice that sounds impressive but is actually meant to delay Absalom’s pursuit.