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2 Samuel 17:20 “When Absalom’s men came to the woman at the house, they asked, ‘Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?’ The woman answered them, ‘They crossed over the brook.’ The men searched but found no one, so they returned to Jerusalem.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Absalom’s men arrive at the house where Jonathan and Ahimaaz, David’s messengers, are hiding. They question the woman of the house, asking for the whereabouts of the two men. She cleverly misleads them by saying that they had already crossed over the brook, directing them away from the well where the men are actually hiding. Absalom’s men search for Jonathan and Ahimaaz but are unable to find them, eventually giving up and returning to Jerusalem. The woman’s quick thinking plays a crucial role in ensuring that the message from Hushai reaches David, protecting him from Absalom’s potential attack.

Historical Context

This event occurs during the rebellion of Absalom against his father, King David. David is fleeing for his life, and Jonathan and Ahimaaz are serving as messengers, delivering important information from Hushai to David. Hushai had given advice to delay Absalom’s attack on David, buying David more time to escape. The woman at the house in Bahurim, where the messengers were hiding, helps protect them by misleading Absalom’s men when they come searching. This event takes place in a context of political upheaval, with David’s reign under threat from his son’s rebellion.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights the theme of divine protection. Even though Jonathan and Ahimaaz were in immediate danger, God’s providence ensured their safety through the actions of this woman. It demonstrates that God can work through ordinary people to bring about His purposes, even in the midst of great danger. The woman’s deception, while morally complex, was used to protect David’s messengers and further God’s plan to preserve David’s kingship. This shows that God’s plans cannot be thwarted, even when His people face significant opposition. It also speaks to the way God provides for His people in unexpected ways.

Literary Analysis

This verse builds suspense, as the tension rises when Absalom’s men arrive at the house. The woman’s response is both clever and brave. The phrase “they crossed over the brook” introduces a red herring, misleading Absalom’s men and adding to the suspense of the story. The search by Absalom’s men, followed by their failure to find the messengers, creates a sense of relief for the reader. The structure of the verse emphasizes the danger faced by Jonathan and Ahimaaz, as well as the providential escape made possible by the woman’s intervention.

Biblical Cross-References

  • Exodus 1:19 – The Hebrew midwives similarly misled Pharaoh’s officials to protect the lives of Israelite babies. Both stories show how God uses the actions of brave individuals to protect His people.
  • Joshua 2:4-6 – Rahab hides the Israelite spies and misleads their pursuers, much like the woman in Bahurim. Both women demonstrate courage and play a key role in the protection of God’s people.
  • Proverbs 21:30 – “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.” This reminds us that despite Absalom’s efforts to capture David, God’s plan for David’s protection cannot be thwarted.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder that God often works through ordinary people to bring about His plans. The woman’s quick thinking and courage protected Jonathan and Ahimaaz, ensuring that David received the crucial message he needed. This encourages believers to trust that God can use them in small and unexpected ways to serve His purposes. It also reminds us that God’s protection is constant, even when we face danger or uncertainty. Just as Jonathan and Ahimaaz were protected from their pursuers, we can trust that God is watching over us in every situation.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reflects God’s loving care for His people. In a time of great danger, God provided a way of escape for Jonathan and Ahimaaz through the actions of this woman. His love is seen in His protection of David’s messengers, ensuring that the message reached David in time to save him. God’s love is practical, providing what His people need in their time of trouble. Just as He guided and protected Jonathan and Ahimaaz, He lovingly watches over His people today, providing help in times of need.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The story of Jonathan and Ahimaaz’s escape through the protection of this woman points to the larger theme of God’s sovereign protection over His people. Just as God protected these messengers, He also protected Jesus throughout His ministry until the appointed time for His crucifixion. In John 7:30, we read that the authorities tried to seize Jesus, but no one laid a hand on Him because His time had not yet come. God’s protection of His chosen ones, whether it be David’s messengers or His Son, is a theme that runs throughout Scripture, ultimately pointing to the salvation brought through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

  1. Have you ever experienced a time when God provided protection or guidance in an unexpected way, as He did for Jonathan and Ahimaaz?
  2. How does this verse encourage you to trust in God’s plan, even when the situation seems dangerous or uncertain? How can you be courageous in the face of challenges, knowing that God is with you?