2 Samuel 17:20 Meaning and Explanation
“And when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Absalom's servants question the woman, who sends them off on a false trail, and they return empty-handed to Jerusalem.
What Does 2 Samuel 17:20 Mean?
Absalom's servants arrive and demand to know where the couriers are. The woman points them past the house, saying the men have already crossed the brook. The pursuers search, find nothing, and give up, returning to Jerusalem while the two remain safely hidden.
The hunt fails, and David's lifeline holds. Throughout this scene, ordinary people take real risks so the king may be warned. Their boldness, and the failure of the search, are woven together by a providence that guards David at every turn. What the powerful seek to find, God can keep hidden until His purpose is secure.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 17:20
What does 2 Samuel 17:20 mean?
Absalom's servants question the woman, who sends them off on a false trail, and they return empty-handed to Jerusalem.