For, (said Hushai,) thou knowest thy father and his men, that they bee mightie men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a beare robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of warre, and will not lodge with the people. 2 Samuel 17:8 (KJV)
be mighty men, and they
be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father
is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. 2 Samuel 17:8 (KJV)
Historical Context: The book of 2 Samuel is part of the Old Testament and provides an account of the reign of King David in Israel. The narrative describes a period of turmoil when David’s son, Absalom, rebelled against him and attempted to seize the throne.
Characters Involved: Hushai – a loyal friend and advisor of King David who remained in Jerusalem as a spy and later offered counsel to Absalom. Absalom – David’s son who led a rebellion against his father. King David – the reigning king of Israel, a seasoned warrior who led armies and achieved many victories.
Analysis of the Passage: Hushai is speaking to Absalom and providing his perspective on King David and his men. He acknowledges that David’s followers are strong and valiant warriors, comparing their state of mind to a mother bear that has been robbed of her cubs, suggesting they are highly agitated and ready to fight fiercely. Hushai reminds Absalom that his father is a man of war who will not lodge with the people and will not easily retreat or hide away from conflict. The wording of this passage, however, is not found in the canonical text of 2 Samuel (KJV) or any other standard translation, and no verse records Hushai speaking to Absalom with this phrasing or the bear‑simile; therefore the passage is not a literal biblical quotation. Hushai’s actual advice (2 Samuel 17:1‑4) cautions patience rather than warning of a ferocious bear‑like force, underscoring the importance of timing in military decisions.
Spiritual Lessons: Throughout the Bible, God is portrayed as protecting His people, especially in times of crisis. In the story of Absalom’s revolt, God’s providence is evident in the preservation of David’s lineage and the eventual restoration of order. The rebellion illustrates the destructive outcomes of defying established authority, leading to division, conflict, and personal tragedy. Hushai’s involvement demonstrates the benefit of seeking advice from trusted, godly individuals, which can avert rash actions and promote better outcomes.
Application: Believers can find assurance that God sustains and safeguards them amid opposition, just as He supported David during his trials. Emulating Hushai’s role, Christians are encouraged to seek guidance from spiritually mature mentors to navigate difficult decisions. The narrative serves as a reminder to respect legitimate authority, recognizing that rebellion often brings pain and division. In summary, while the quoted passage is not a verbatim biblical verse, the surrounding events in 2 Samuel convey enduring truths about divine protection, the perils of rebellion, and the importance of wise counsel.
