And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom.

2 SAMUEL 17:14KJV
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2 Samuel 17:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 17:14 mean?

2 Samuel 17:14 describes how Absalom and the leaders of Israel decided to follow the advice of Hushai the Archite instead of Ahithophel, even though Ahithophel’s advice was actually wiser. The verse explains that this happened because the LORD had determined to frustrate Ahithophel’s good counsel, planning to bring trouble upon Absalom.

In this scene, Absalom is leading a rebellion against his father, King David. Two advisors—Ahithophel and Hushai—offer competing strategies. The leaders choose Hushai’s plan, but the verse makes clear that this choice was not just political; it was guided by the LORD’s purpose. The text highlights that God was actively working behind the scenes to ensure Absalom’s downfall.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 17:14

  • יְהוָה (YHWH, transliterated "YHWH" or "the LORD") is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible. Its use here emphasizes that the events are under God’s direct control, not just human decision-making.
  • פָּרַר (parar, “defeat” or “frustrate”) is used for how the LORD “appointed to defeat” Ahithophel’s advice. This word often means to break or nullify, showing that God actively undid what would have been wise human counsel.
  • טוֹב (tov, “good” or “better”) describes Ahithophel’s advice. The verse calls his counsel “good,” making it clear that the rejection was not because of its quality but because of God’s intervention.
  • רָעָה (ra‘ah, “evil” or “disaster”) is used for the “evil” or trouble that the LORD intended to bring upon Absalom. This word often means calamity or harm, showing the seriousness of the outcome God was bringing.

Why 2 Samuel 17:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that even when people make decisions for their own reasons, God’s purpose can override human wisdom and plans.
  • The verse highlights the turning point in Absalom’s rebellion, showing that the failure to follow Ahithophel’s advice directly leads to Absalom’s downfall.
  • By calling Ahithophel’s advice “good,” the text underlines that the outcome was not due to poor strategy but to God’s deliberate action, reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty in the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“Archite” Hebrew H757 · used in 6 verses

  • Joshua 16:2 And goeth out from Bethel to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth,
  • 2 Samuel 15:32 And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:
  • 2 Samuel 17:5 Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.

“intent” Hebrew H5668 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
  • Exodus 9:16 And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.
  • Exodus 20:20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

“Hushai” Hebrew H2365 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 15:32 And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:
  • 2 Samuel 16:18 And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.
  • 2 Samuel 17:8 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.

“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.