Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Samuel 17:16
Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that [are] with him.
15 22. Hushai sends word to David by Jonathan and Ahimaaz
16. Lodge not this night ] A prudent precaution, for Absalom might change his mind, and follow Ahithophel’s counsel after all.
in the plains of the wilderness ] Perhaps we should read at the fords of the wilderness. See note on ch. 2Sa 15:28.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Hushai, like a wise and prudent man, knowing, too, Absaloms weak and fickle character, would not depend upon the resolution, taken at his instigation, not to pursue the king, but took instant measures to advertise David of his danger.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, lest the kings and peoples minds change, and Ahithophel, by his deep wit and great interest, persuade the king to follow his former advice, and to pursue you speedily.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
16. send quickly, and tellDavidApparently doubting that his advice would be followed,Hushai ordered secret intelligence to be conveyed to David of allthat transpired, with an urgent recommendation to cross the Jordanwithout a moment’s delay, lest Ahithophel’s address and influencemight produce a change on the prince’s mind, and an immediate pursuitbe determined on.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Now therefore send quickly and tell David,…. What has been advised to on both sides:
saying, lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness; which reached to Jericho; this advice he gave, because he knew not whether his counsel would be abode by, though preferred; Absalom and the elders of Israel might change their minds, and Ahithophel might, by the strength of his oratory, prevail upon them after all to follow his advice; and therefore, to guard against the worst, he judged it most prudential in David to make all the haste he could from that place where he was, and not continue a night longer in it; for, if Ahithophel’s counsel should take place, he would be in pursuit of him that very night:
but speedily pass over; the river Jordan:
lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that [are] with him: be destroyed by the forces Ahithophel should bring with him, which he would not be able to withstand.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(16) Lodge not this night.Hushais advice had been taken at the moment, but it might easily be exchanged for Ahithophels. At all events there was instant danger for David, and Hushai urges him to place the Jordan without delay between himself and the rebels.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
2Sa 17:16 Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that [are] with him.
Ver. 16. Lest the king be swallowed up. ] For Hushai observing Absalom’s and his followers fickleness, knew not but that they might yet follow Ahithophel’s counsel, when seconded and set on by him with new and better arguments. He would have David therefore get speedily out of their reach over Jordan.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Lodge: 2Sa 15:28
but speedily: 2Sa 17:21, 2Sa 17:22, 2Sa 15:14, 2Sa 15:28, 1Sa 20:38, Psa 55:8, Pro 6:4, Pro 6:5, Mat 24:16-18
be swallowed: 2Sa 20:19, 2Sa 20:20, Psa 35:25, Psa 56:2, Psa 57:3, 1Co 15:54, 2Co 5:4
Reciprocal: 2Sa 15:35 – thou shalt tell 2Sa 18:20 – bear tidings Psa 119:87 – almost Psa 119:150 – draw nigh
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Sa 17:16-17. Now therefore send quickly Lest Absaloms and the peoples minds change, and Ahithophel persuade them to pursue you speedily. Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by En-rogel Or the fullers fountain. Being to carry the intelligence, they had not returned into the city, but found some pretence for tarrying without the walls at this place, probably that they might wash and cleanse themselves from some legal pollution. Indeed, it would have been difficult, if not impossible, to have sent them out of the city without their being discovered. A wench went and told them Being sent by Zadok, and pretending, perhaps, to go thither for water, or to wash some clothes. And they went and told King David After a little stop in their way, as is here related.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
17:16 Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass {f} over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that [are] with him.
(f) That is, over Jordan.