2 Samuel 17:18 “But a young man saw them and told Absalom. So the two of them left quickly and went to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jonathan and Ahimaaz, who were secretly carrying a message to David, were spotted by a young man who informed Absalom. Realizing that they had been discovered, they fled to Bahurim, a small village, and sought refuge in the house of a man who hid them in a well. This was a desperate move to protect themselves and the critical message they carried. Their mission to inform David of Absalom’s plans was dangerous, and this moment of discovery added urgency to their task. The well, typically used to store water, became a hiding place, allowing them to evade capture and continue their mission.
Historical Context
This event occurred during the rebellion of Absalom against his father, King David. David had fled from Jerusalem to escape Absalom’s forces, and Jonathan and Ahimaaz were part of a covert operation to relay information from the priests to David. They were acting as messengers to inform David of Absalom’s strategy and to help him make wise decisions about his escape and survival. The fact that they were spotted meant that their mission was at risk, and being caught would have been disastrous for David’s chances of survival. Bahurim, where they sought refuge, was a small village not far from Jerusalem, and it had been a place of loyalty to David during earlier events.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse shows God’s providential care over those who serve Him faithfully. Jonathan and Ahimaaz were in a dangerous situation, yet God provided them a way of escape. This moment of protection is an example of how God intervenes in critical moments to ensure His purposes are fulfilled. It also illustrates that even when plans seem to go wrong, God’s hand can still guide events for His people’s protection and for the success of His plan. The two messengers’ ability to hide in the well shows that even in moments of vulnerability, God provides safety and refuge.
Literary Analysis
The verse is filled with tension and suspense. The phrase “a young man saw them” introduces a moment of danger that shifts the narrative. Jonathan and Ahimaaz’s quick flight adds urgency, and the well as a hiding place creates a symbolic image of protection in a time of crisis. The contrast between being out in the open, where they are vulnerable, and hiding in a well, where they are safe, underscores the theme of God’s hidden protection. The verse also serves to build suspense in the story, as readers are left wondering whether the two messengers will be caught or if they will successfully deliver the message to David.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 32:7 – “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” This verse reflects the experience of Jonathan and Ahimaaz, as God provided a literal hiding place in the well to protect them.
- Psalm 91:2 – “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” Just as Jonathan and Ahimaaz found refuge in the well, believers can find refuge in God.
- Proverbs 18:10 – “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” This highlights how God provides safety and protection to those who trust in Him, as seen in this verse’s account of escape.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder that God provides protection and refuge in times of danger. Jonathan and Ahimaaz were doing important work for David, but they faced significant risk. When things went wrong, God provided a way of escape through the help of an ally in Bahurim. This encourages believers to trust that even when life seems uncertain or when we face obstacles, God is able to provide protection and help. It also shows that God often uses ordinary people and situations—like the man with the well in Bahurim—to bring about His purposes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse highlights God’s loving care for His people in moments of crisis. Even though Jonathan and Ahimaaz were in immediate danger, God’s love provided them with a safe place to hide and protected them from harm. His care extended not only to the messengers but also to David, as their successful mission was crucial for his safety. God’s love is shown in the way He uses others to help in times of need. It demonstrates that God’s protection isn’t always dramatic but is often seen in quiet, hidden moments of deliverance.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The escape of Jonathan and Ahimaaz can be seen as a reflection of the way God protected Jesus throughout His ministry until it was time for Him to fulfill His ultimate mission. Just as Jonathan and Ahimaaz were hidden away from their enemies, Jesus was often protected from harm until the appointed time of His crucifixion. In John 7:30, the religious leaders tried to seize Jesus, but they were unable to because “His hour had not yet come.” This verse points to the truth that God’s purposes will always be fulfilled, and He protects His servants until the appointed time, just as He did for Jesus and His messengers.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever experienced a time when you felt vulnerable or in danger, yet God provided you with a way of escape or protection?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust that God is always working behind the scenes, even when circumstances seem risky or uncertain?