2 Samuel 17:19 “His wife took a covering and spread it out over the opening of the well and scattered grain over it. No one knew anything about it.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the wife of the man in Bahurim, where Jonathan and Ahimaaz were hiding, plays a crucial role in protecting them from discovery. After they hid in a well to escape detection by Absalom’s men, the woman cleverly covered the well with a cloth and scattered grain over it to make it look like nothing unusual was happening. Her quick thinking and resourcefulness provided the cover that Jonathan and Ahimaaz needed to stay hidden. This act of bravery helped ensure that the message from Hushai to David would reach its destination, protecting David from potential disaster.
Historical Context
At this time, King David was fleeing from his son Absalom, who had staged a rebellion against him. Jonathan and Ahimaaz, sons of the priests Zadok and Abiathar, were acting as secret messengers to relay crucial information from Hushai, David’s loyal advisor, to David. When Jonathan and Ahimaaz were spotted by one of Absalom’s men, they fled to Bahurim and hid in a well. The wife of the man who owned the house in Bahurim acted quickly to conceal the well and protect the messengers from being found. This protection allowed them to continue their mission to warn David of Absalom’s plans.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights God’s providence and His ability to use ordinary people and everyday situations to accomplish His divine purposes. The woman’s quick actions in protecting the messengers reflect how God provides help and protection, often through unexpected means. It also reminds us that small, seemingly insignificant actions can have a large impact when they are part of God’s greater plan. God was at work in this situation, orchestrating events so that David would receive the information he needed to survive. This shows that God’s care and provision extend even to the details of everyday life.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses simple but vivid imagery to convey the hiding of Jonathan and Ahimaaz. The description of the covering and the scattering of grain creates a sense of urgency and cleverness in the woman’s actions. The phrase “No one knew anything about it” adds to the tension of the moment, emphasizing how close the danger was, yet how effective the woman’s actions were in keeping the messengers safe. This verse functions as a quiet but pivotal moment in the narrative, where the bravery and quick thinking of a seemingly minor character have a significant impact on the outcome of the story.
Biblical Cross-References
- Joshua 2:4 – Rahab, like the woman in this verse, helped hide the Israelite spies by misleading their pursuers. Both stories reflect how God uses individuals to protect His people in times of danger.
- Proverbs 21:30 – “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.” This reminds us that, despite Absalom’s efforts, God’s plan for David was always going to succeed.
- Psalm 121:5 – “The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand.” Just as the messengers were protected by the woman’s actions, God protects His people, providing safety and refuge when needed.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder that God can use anyone, no matter how seemingly insignificant, to fulfill His purposes. The woman in this verse may have seemed like an unlikely hero, but her quick thinking and courage played a key role in protecting the messengers and, ultimately, David. This encourages believers to be faithful in even the small tasks, trusting that God can use their actions for a greater purpose. It also teaches the importance of being aware of how God might be working through ordinary circumstances and people to bring about His plans.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse illustrates God’s loving care and protection over His people. In a dangerous situation, God provided the means for Jonathan and Ahimaaz to be hidden and protected through the woman’s actions. God’s love is not passive; it is active and involved in the lives of His people. Just as He provided protection for the messengers, He provides for His children today. His love is evident in the way He orchestrates events and uses people to accomplish His purposes, showing that no detail is too small for His concern.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This story connects to Jesus Christ in the way it demonstrates God’s sovereign protection over His chosen ones. Just as Jonathan and Ahimaaz were hidden and protected from danger, Jesus was also protected throughout His ministry until the appointed time for His sacrifice. In John 7:30, we read that “they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.” Jesus, like David’s messengers, was protected from harm until it was time for Him to fulfill His mission. This verse foreshadows the way God’s protection over Jesus ultimately led to the salvation of humanity.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever been in a situation where you felt God used someone unexpectedly to help or protect you? How did that experience strengthen your faith?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust that God is working in the background, even in the small details of life, to protect and guide you?