They were hidden from danger, and the search ended in vain for Absalom’s servants.
When Absalom was in pursuit of those loyal to David, “Then Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house and said, ‘Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?’” (v.20). Ahimaaz and Jonathan were messengers who carried secret information to help David, the anointed king of Israel, stay safe from Absalom’s rebellion around 975 BC. Absalom was David’s son who led a revolt in an attempt to seize the throne, causing the nation to divide and forcing David to flee Jerusalem for a time (2 Samuel 15:14). This upheaval highlights how even within David’s family, conflicts arose that tested loyalty and faithfulness.
In this verse, the woman responds to Absalom’s men by saying, “They have crossed the brook of water.” (v.20). Her statement effectively misdirects Absalom’s servants, sending them on a false trail. The brook mentioned here is likely near the Jordan region, which was a significant geographical boundary in ancient Israel. Because Israel’s landscape was quite varied, crossing a body of water like a stream or brook could quickly hide a person’s path. Absalom’s servants then futilely searched before “they returned to Jerusalem.” (v.20). Jerusalem, located in the heart of the Judean hills, functioned as the political and spiritual center of Israel for centuries, eventually becoming the capital city under David’s rule.
The fact that the woman shielded David’s allies illustrates the theme of God’s sovereignty and provision for those who remain faithful. This moment foreshadows the divine protection believers experience through Jesus, who repeatedly speaks of God’s care for those who walk in obedience (Matthew 6:33). Even in the midst of turmoil—like Absalom’s attempt to usurp the throne—the Lord orchestrates events to accomplish His purposes. It underscores the importance of trusting God in dire circumstances, as He can use even the least-expected people to safeguard His chosen servants.
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2 Samuel 17:20 meaning
When Absalom was in pursuit of those loyal to David, “Then Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house and said, ‘Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?’” (v.20). Ahimaaz and Jonathan were messengers who carried secret information to help David, the anointed king of Israel, stay safe from Absalom’s rebellion around 975 BC. Absalom was David’s son who led a revolt in an attempt to seize the throne, causing the nation to divide and forcing David to flee Jerusalem for a time (2 Samuel 15:14). This upheaval highlights how even within David’s family, conflicts arose that tested loyalty and faithfulness.
In this verse, the woman responds to Absalom’s men by saying, “They have crossed the brook of water.” (v.20). Her statement effectively misdirects Absalom’s servants, sending them on a false trail. The brook mentioned here is likely near the Jordan region, which was a significant geographical boundary in ancient Israel. Because Israel’s landscape was quite varied, crossing a body of water like a stream or brook could quickly hide a person’s path. Absalom’s servants then futilely searched before “they returned to Jerusalem.” (v.20). Jerusalem, located in the heart of the Judean hills, functioned as the political and spiritual center of Israel for centuries, eventually becoming the capital city under David’s rule.
The fact that the woman shielded David’s allies illustrates the theme of God’s sovereignty and provision for those who remain faithful. This moment foreshadows the divine protection believers experience through Jesus, who repeatedly speaks of God’s care for those who walk in obedience (Matthew 6:33). Even in the midst of turmoil—like Absalom’s attempt to usurp the throne—the Lord orchestrates events to accomplish His purposes. It underscores the importance of trusting God in dire circumstances, as He can use even the least-expected people to safeguard His chosen servants.