2 Samuel 17 -- Prayers Answered

My commentary's title for this chapter is "David's Prayer Was Answered".  It's easy to see why:

David had asked Hushai to remain in Jerusalem to thwart the advice of Ahithophel.  He'd also prayed that God would turn Ahithophel's advice into foolishness.  Absalom first listened to Ahithophel's plan, which "put himself front and center ... because Ahithophel wanted to personally supervise the murder of his enemy King David.  His plan was a good one," my commentary noted.  "Hushai took an entirely different approach and focused on the ego of the young king ... Hushai laid an effective verbal trap, and Absalom fell into it... Hushai was interested in buying time for David so he could get lost."

In Psalm 33:10-11, we read, "The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect.  The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations."  That's exactly what God did here.

David's spy system worked:  "Hushai gave the message to the two priests and told them to tell David to cross over the Jordan as quickly as possible ... Zadok and Abiathar told a maidservant; she took the message to Jonathan and Ahimaaz who immediately ran ... A wife in Bahurim hid the two runners in a cistern and covered the opening with a cloth ... and the young men were saved."  They got the message to David in time.

Ahithophel took his own life:  "He knew Hushai's counsel would bring about Absalom's defeat, and Ahithophel was serving the wrong king.  As a traitor against King David, he would either be slain or banished forever ..."  He hanged himself.

Friends cared for David:  "God often uses human angels to help His servants," my commentary said.  Three me "brought provisions for the king and his people and saw to it that they were adequately cared for.  God prepared a table for David as His enemies were approaching..." as David described in the 23rd Psalm!

Father, thank You for Your provision for me during tough times -- for friends who provide prayer and emotional support.  Thank You for stepping in at just the right time when I need You most!  I trust You and depend on You every day.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford