Who Was Summon?

The name Summon does not appear as a proper noun or personal name in 2 Samuel 17 or anywhere else in the biblical record. However, in some paraphrased or transliterated contexts, readers might confuse the verb summon—as in “to call forth” or “to request the presence of someone”—with a character name due to its unique usage in narrative translation. In 2 Samuel 17, the concept of summoning plays a pivotal role in the political and spiritual dynamics unfolding during Absalom’s rebellion against King David.

This article will therefore explore the biblical significance of summoning within the narrative of 2 Samuel 17, its implications for spiritual discernment and leadership, and its theological connection to Jesus Christ and the gospel. The Hebrew word translated “summon” in contexts like this is קָרָא (qārāʾ), meaning to call, invite, proclaim, or name. It is used extensively in the Old Testament to denote divine calling, prophetic declaration, or official royal commands.

The Biblical Narrative: 2 Samuel 17

2 Samuel 17 is situated during the tumultuous time when Absalom, David’s son, stages a coup to seize the throne of Israel. David has fled Jerusalem, and Absalom now seeks counsel about how to solidify his power. Two counselors are summoned before Absalom:

• Ahithophel, a shrewd and seasoned advisor, recommends a swift and targeted attack against David while he is vulnerable (2 Samuel 17:1-4).

• Hushai the Archite, secretly loyal to David, counters Ahithophel’s advice with a plan designed to delay action and give David time to regroup (2 Samuel 17:5-14).

In both cases, these advisors are summoned before Absalom. Their words will heavily influence the course of Israel’s future. The text says, “Absalom said, ‘Summon also Hushai the Arkite, and let us hear what he has to say’” (2 Samuel 17:5, NIV). This critical moment of summoning sets in motion God’s providential intervention to protect His anointed king, David.

Spiritual and Theological Meaning

The act of summoning in 2 Samuel 17 is more than political protocol—it is a theological pivot point. Absalom seeks wisdom, but the ultimate sovereignty over events belongs to God. Verse 14 makes this explicit: “For the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.”

God uses the seemingly routine action of summoning advisors to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The summoning becomes an opportunity for divine reversal:

• Ahithophel’s wise counsel is ignored.

• Hushai’s deceptive loyalty advances God’s plan.

• David is spared and ultimately restored.

For today’s believers, this passage serves as a reminder that God rules over the decisions of rulers and nations (cf. Proverbs 21:1). What may seem like human initiative or political maneuvering is often the stage for God’s invisible hand.

Connection to Jesus and the Gospel

The events of 2 Samuel 17, including the summoning of counselors, prefigure elements of Christ’s own experience:

• Like David, Jesus was rejected by many of His own, and His kingship was challenged (John 1:11).

• False counsel and human schemes were employed to destroy Him (cf. Matthew 26:3-4).

• But just as God used Hushai to frustrate Absalom’s plans, God used even the betrayal of Jesus to fulfill His eternal plan of redemption (Acts 2:23-24).

Furthermore, the Hebrew concept of qārāʾ—to call or summon—is essential in the New Testament. God summons all people to repentance and salvation through Christ. Romans 8:30 speaks of those whom God “called,” linking this divine summoning to eternal purpose. The call of God in Christ is the ultimate summoning, far greater than Absalom’s summons to his court.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Divine Sovereignty Over Human Counsel

Throughout Scripture, we see that the Lord’s purposes prevail, even when worldly wisdom appears more strategic (cf. Isaiah 46:10, Proverbs 19:21).

2. The Danger of False Counsel

Absalom’s choice to follow Hushai instead of Ahithophel reflects the tension between truth and manipulation. It underscores the biblical warning to test every spirit (1 John 4:1) and not lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

3. God’s Protection of His Anointed

David, God’s chosen king, is protected through a seemingly mundane court advisory. This theme points forward to the protection of Christ and the preservation of God’s redemptive line.

4. The Power of God’s Call

The motif of summoning in the Bible stretches from Genesis to Revelation—God calls the world into being (Genesis 1), calls prophets and kings (e.g., Isaiah 6:8), and calls sinners to salvation (Romans 10:13). Ultimately, believers are those who have been “called out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Cross-References

• Psalm 2:2-4 – Kings and rulers plot against the Lord’s anointed, but God is not thwarted.

• Proverbs 21:1 – The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord.

• Romans 8:28-30 – Those God foreknew He also called.

• Acts 2:23-24 – God‘s sovereign plan through the betrayal of Jesus.

• 1 Corinthians 1:24-26 – Christ is the wisdom of God, calling the weak and foolish of the world.

Reflection Questions

1. How does God’s use of the summoning of advisors in 2 Samuel 17 demonstrate His control over human decisions?

2. Are there areas in your life where you are trusting in your own wisdom instead of seeking God’s guidance?

3. How do you respond to the call of God in your life? Are you listening for His voice daily?

4. What role does wise counsel play in your spiritual walk? How do you test whether advice is godly?

5. How does the story of David’s deliverance in this passage point you to the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ?

Even something as seemingly small as a political summons can become a stage for God’s providence. In 2 Samuel 17, God works through ordinary means—advice, counsel, decisions—to preserve His anointed servant and continue the redemptive line that will culminate in Christ. Let us be attentive to how God is summoning us today—not to worldly power, but to kingdom faithfulness.