The Bible Study podcast episode 537. Today, the Bible Study podcast continues our study of the

kings of Israel and Judah with 2nd Samuel 17.

Welcome to the Bible study podcast. I'm your host, Chris Christensen. I'm recording this show on New Year's Eve, or the afternoon of New Year's Eve, and I thought about possibly doing some other special episode.

That would probably just take a lot more preparation than I have time for. So we're just going to carry on and talk about David and Absalom. When we left this story, Absalom had rebelled against David,

and David had left someone in Absalom's camp who was going to advise them

and wasn't necessarily going to give them good advice.

We continue on with 2nd Samuel 17.

Ahitha fell said to Absalom, I would choose 12,000 men and set out tonight in pursuit of David.

I would attack him while he is weary and weak.

I would strike him with terror and then all the people with him will flee.

I would strike down only the king and bring all the people back to you.

The death of the man you seek will mean the return of all.

All the people will be unharmed.

This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.

But Absalom said, summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he has to say as well.

When Hushai came to him, Absalom said, Ahithafel has given this advice. Should we do what he has to say as well. When Hushai came to him, Absalom said,

Ahithafel has given this advice. Should we do what he says, if not give us your opinion?

Hushai replied to Absalom, the advice Ahithel is given is not good this time. You know your father

and his men, they are fighters, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs.

Besides, your father is an experienced fighter.

He will not spend the night with the troops.

Even now, he is hidden in a cave or some other place.

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