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2 Samuel 17:4

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 17:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.
2 Samuel 17:4 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 17

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:
2and I will come upon him while he is weary and weak-handed, and will make him afraid; and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only;
3and I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: [so] all the people shall be in peace.
4And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.
5Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.
6And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do [after] his saying? if not, speak thou.
7And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given this time is not good.
← 2 Samuel 17:32 Samuel 17:5 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all elders of Israel.] That were of the privy council; for it was a well contrived scheme to surprise David his men by night, in the condition they were in; nothing like seizing an opportunity, and making quick dispatch in executing a villainous design; only it is strange that Absalom could so easily come into a scheme to take away the life of so indulgent a father, which is only to be accounted for by his ambition; but it is stranger still that the elders of Israel should be pleased with it, and agree to and determine upon the death of a prince, who had so many years ruled them with justice and equity, clemency and mercy; and fought their battles for…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the saying: Sa1 18:20, Sa1 18:21, Sa1 23:21; Est 5:14; Rom 1:32 pleased Absalom well: Heb. was right in the eyes of Absalom, Ch2 30:4; Est 1:21 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 17:5”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“Although this advice pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel (present), Absalom sent for Hushai the Archite to hear his opinion. גּם־הוּא serves to strengthen the suffix in בּפיו (cf. Ewald, 311, a.). 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 17:6”
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Related study paths

Read 2 Samuel 17 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification