2 Samuel 17:14
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 17:14 · King James Version
Meaning
Within this verse, there is a significant shift in alliances and counsel among Absalom, Hushai the Archite, and Ahithophel. The men of Israel, including Absalom, recognized the wisdom in Hushai's counsel over Ahithophel's. Despite Ahithophel's reputation for giving sound advice, the verse reveals that the LORD had orchestrated a plan to thwart his counsel and bring about Absalom's downfall. The divine intervention displays the overarching power of the LORD in human affairs, ultimately fulfilling his divine purpose. This verse serves as a reminder that even the most cunning strategies of man can be overruled by the divine will of God. It illustrates the importance of seeking guidance and wisdom from God, as His plans will always prevail in the end.
Theological Overview
Within the theological interpretation of this verse from 2 Samuel, it is crucial to understand the significance of God's sovereignty and His ultimate control over all outcomes. In this specific instance, despite the wisdom of Ahithophel's counsel, which was highly regarded by Absalom and the men of Israel, God intervened to ensure that the advice of Hushai the Archite prevailed. This not only showcases God's ability to manipulate human decisions for His higher purpose but also highlights the concept of divine intervention in the affairs of men. The wording of the verse emphasizes that it was the LORD who orchestrated the defeat of Ahithophel's counsel, ultimately leading to the downfall of Absalom. This serves as a reminder of the overarching power and authority that God holds in all situations, even when faced with seemingly wise and rational human advice.
2 Samuel 17:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For Jehovah had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that Jehovah might bring evil upon Absalom.
World English Bible
Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For Yahweh had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that Yahweh might bring evil on Absalom.
Douay-Rheims
And Absalom, and all the men of Israel said: The counsel of Chusai the Arachite is better than the counsel of Achitophel: and by the will of the Lord the profitable counsel of Achitophel was defeated, that the Lord might bring evil upon Absalom.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Absalom and all the men of Israel sayde, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better, then the counsell of Ahithophel: for the Lord had determined to destroy the good counsell of Ahithophel, that the Lord might bring euill vpon Absalom.