This verse demonstrates that trusting human strategies alone can be both daunting and deceptive.
In 2 Samuel 17:13, Hushai (a confidant and adviser secretly loyal to David) proposed a strategy for Absalom to defeat David and his loyal followers. This counsel was given in the midst of Absalom’s rebellion around the 10th century BC, when David (reigned ca. 1010-970 BC) fled from Jerusalem. Speaking of David’s possible refuge, Hushai declared: “If he withdraws into a city, then all Israel shall bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it into the valley until not even a small stone is found there.” (v.13) By presenting this plan, Hushai aimed to buy enough time for David to escape and regroup. The idea was to raise such an overwhelming force of people that even a walled stronghold would be torn down, assuring Absalom that a swift and decisive victory was within reach.
The context of this verse follows a split between David and his son Absalom, who had declared himself king of Israel in place of his father. Hushai went to Absalom, feigning loyalty, so he could undermine the counsel of Ahithophel (an adviser whose plans were typically very effective). Hushai's dramatic advice to wait and gather the largest possible army before attacking David was meant to protect the rightful king. This emphasis on dragging a city “into the valley” underscores the powerful might of a unified Israel—an image of total destruction if any city chose to shield David. In essence, Hushai set forth a plan that appeared bold and infallible, but was actually designed to stall Absalom’s attack, prevent a hasty confrontation, and allow David’s forces to prepare.
Geographically, many cities in ancient Israel were built upon hills or elevated areas, naturally fortified by high walls. Hushai’s words evoke images of total demolition through the efforts of “all Israel” to pull even the heaviest stones from these fortified positions. This elaborate scenario played on Absalom's vanity—convincing him that, if David dared hide behind city walls, such defenses would be ripped apart by sheer manpower. Historically, the threat of dragging an entire city into a valley would have been more hyperbole than literal plan, but it served to illustrate the unstoppable strength of a unified army under Absalom’s command, ensuring that no one—particularly David—would remain safe if exposed.
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2 Samuel 17:13 meaning
In 2 Samuel 17:13, Hushai (a confidant and adviser secretly loyal to David) proposed a strategy for Absalom to defeat David and his loyal followers. This counsel was given in the midst of Absalom’s rebellion around the 10th century BC, when David (reigned ca. 1010-970 BC) fled from Jerusalem. Speaking of David’s possible refuge, Hushai declared: “If he withdraws into a city, then all Israel shall bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it into the valley until not even a small stone is found there.” (v.13) By presenting this plan, Hushai aimed to buy enough time for David to escape and regroup. The idea was to raise such an overwhelming force of people that even a walled stronghold would be torn down, assuring Absalom that a swift and decisive victory was within reach.
The context of this verse follows a split between David and his son Absalom, who had declared himself king of Israel in place of his father. Hushai went to Absalom, feigning loyalty, so he could undermine the counsel of Ahithophel (an adviser whose plans were typically very effective). Hushai's dramatic advice to wait and gather the largest possible army before attacking David was meant to protect the rightful king. This emphasis on dragging a city “into the valley” underscores the powerful might of a unified Israel—an image of total destruction if any city chose to shield David. In essence, Hushai set forth a plan that appeared bold and infallible, but was actually designed to stall Absalom’s attack, prevent a hasty confrontation, and allow David’s forces to prepare.
Geographically, many cities in ancient Israel were built upon hills or elevated areas, naturally fortified by high walls. Hushai’s words evoke images of total demolition through the efforts of “all Israel” to pull even the heaviest stones from these fortified positions. This elaborate scenario played on Absalom's vanity—convincing him that, if David dared hide behind city walls, such defenses would be ripped apart by sheer manpower. Historically, the threat of dragging an entire city into a valley would have been more hyperbole than literal plan, but it served to illustrate the unstoppable strength of a unified army under Absalom’s command, ensuring that no one—particularly David—would remain safe if exposed.