Ahithophel counsels Absalom to pursue his father with twelve thousand men, 2Sam 17:1-4. Hushai gives a different counsel, and is followed, 2Sam 17:5-14. Hushai informs Zadok and Abiathar; and they send word to David, 2Sam 17:15-21. David and his men go beyond Jordan, 2Sam 17:22. Ahithophel, finding his counsel slighted, goes home, sets his house in order, and hangs himself, 2Sam 17:23. David moves to Mahanaim; and Absalom follows him over Jordan, 2Sam 17:24-26. Several friends meet David at Mahanaim with refreshments and provisions, 2Sam 17:27-29.
Verse 1
Let me now choose out twelve thousand men - Had this counsel been followed, David and his little troop would soon have been destroyed; nothing but the miraculous interposition of God could have saved them. Twelve thousand chosen troops coming against him, in his totally unprepared state, would have soon settled the business of the kingdom. Ahithophel well saw that, this advice neglected, all was lost.