2 Samuel 17:14
Arabic SVD 1865 Version (Smith and Van Dyke)
فقال ابشالوم وكل رجال اسرائيل ان مشورة حوشاي الاركي احسن من مشورة اخيتوفل. فان الرب امر بابطال مشورة اخيتوفل الصالحة لكي ينزل الرب الشر بابشالوم.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, Absalom and the Israelites agree with Hushai's advice over Ahithophel's, even though Ahithophel's was better. This happened because God wanted to bring harm to Absalom.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have two friends, one who always gives you great advice and another who sometimes gives you tricky advice. One day, you choose the tricky advice friend because a higher power wanted something to happen to you. That's what happened here, but with Absalom and God.
Historical Background
The book of 2 Samuel was written by multiple authors, probably including the prophet Nathan and the prophet Gad. It was written in the 9th century BCE, detailing the reigns of King David and his son Absalom. This particular passage is set in the context of a rebellion led by Absalom against his father, King David.
Living It Out Today
When facing a big decision, consider the advice you receive and who is giving it. Sometimes, the 'better' choice might not be the one that leads to the best outcome for you. For instance, choosing a lucrative but morally questionable job might not be the best path for your overall well-being.
Topics
rebellionadvicedivine interventionGod's willconsequencesleadership
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Absalom choose Hushai's advice?
Absalom chose Hushai's advice because it seemed to align with his plans, even though Ahithophel's advice was better. This choice was part of God's plan to bring harm to Absalom.
What does this verse teach about divine intervention?
This verse illustrates that God can intervene in human affairs and guide events to fulfill His purposes, even when it involves seemingly irrational human decisions.
How does this relate to the concept of free will?
This verse shows that while humans have free will, God can still guide or influence events to achieve His will, highlighting the complex relationship between human choice and divine sovereignty.
What can we learn about making decisions from this verse?
From this verse, we learn that the best advice is not always the one that leads to the best outcomes. It's important to consider the potential consequences of our decisions and to seek wisdom beyond just the immediate benefits.
Compare 2 Samuel 17:14 across all translations →