Big Idea: When his repentant servants humbly submit to his discipline, the Lord protects and provides.

Understanding the Text

After leaving Jerusalem in the face of Shimei’s curse, David faced the imposing power of Absalom, now buttressed by the defection of Ahithophel. This next literary unit describes how the Lord uses Hushai’s advice to thwart Ahithophel and Absalom. In the middle of this unit we read that the Lord “had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom” (2 Sam. 17:14). This key statement provides a framework for understanding all that transpires in chapters 16–17. It also sets the stage for the realization of the Lord’s purpose as recorded in chapter 18. Ironically, while this statement bodes well for David (he will be deliver…