And when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.

2 SAMUEL 17:20KJV
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2 Samuel 17:20 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 17:20 mean?

2 Samuel 17:20 describes how Absalom’s servants questioned a woman about the whereabouts of Ahimaaz and Jonathan, and she misled them by saying the men had crossed over a stream, so the servants searched but could not find them and returned to Jerusalem. The verse shows the woman protecting the two men by sending their pursuers in the wrong direction.

In this scene, Absalom’s (King David’s rebellious son) servants are searching for Ahimaaz and Jonathan, who are loyal to David and acting as messengers. The woman at the house answers their question with a misleading statement, saying the men have gone “over the brook of water,” referring to a stream nearby. The servants search unsuccessfully and return to Jerusalem, allowing the messengers to remain hidden and safe.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 17:20

  • "Servants" (עֶבֶד, ʿeved): This word often means someone who serves another, not just in a household but also in official or royal service. Here, it emphasizes that these men are acting on Absalom’s authority.
  • "Brook" (נַחַל, naḥal): This word refers to a stream or wadi, often a seasonal watercourse. The mention of a brook helps set the scene and gives a realistic detail to the woman’s story.
  • "Sought" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash) and "find" (מָצָא, matsa): These words highlight the active search by Absalom’s servants and their failure to locate the men, showing the effectiveness of the woman’s deception.

Why 2 Samuel 17:20 matters

  • This verse clears up how Ahimaaz and Jonathan escaped immediate danger, showing the crucial role of the woman’s quick thinking and courage.
  • The detail about the brook and the search connects to the larger story of David’s flight from Absalom, emphasizing the tension and risk involved.
  • The verse highlights the loyalty and bravery of those who supported David, even at personal risk, and sets up the successful delivery of important information to David.

Where else these words appear

“Ahimaaz” Hebrew H290 · used in 15 verses

  • 1 Samuel 14:50 And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.
  • 2 Samuel 18:19 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies.
  • 2 Samuel 18:29 And the king said, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the king's servant, and me thy servant, I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what it was.

“Jonathan” Hebrew H3083 · used in 73 verses

  • Judges 18:30 And the children of Dan set up the graven image: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land.
  • 1 Samuel 20:28 And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem:
  • 2 Samuel 9:3 And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.

“Absalom's” 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 17:15 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.