2 Samuel 17:9

⁹ Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown [1] at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.

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Other Translations of 2 Samuel 17:9

New International Version

⁹ Even now, he is hidden in a cave or some other place. If he should attack your troops first,Or "When some of the men fall at the first attack" whoever hears about it will say, 'There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom.'

English Standard Version

⁹ Behold, even now he has hidden himself in one of the pits or in some other place. And as soon as some of the people fallOr And as he falls on them at the first attack, whoever hears it will say, 'There has been a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.'

The Message

⁹ Even while we're talking, he's probably holed up in some cave or other. If he jumps your men from ambush, word will soon get back, 'A slaughter of Absalom's army!'

New King James Version

⁹ Surely by now he is hidden in some pit, or in some other place. And it will be, when some of them are overthrown at the first, that whoever hears it will say, 'There is a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.'

New Living Translation

⁹ He has probably already hidden in some pit or cave. And when he comes out and attacks and a few of your men fall, there will be panic among your troops, and the word will spread that Absalom's men are being slaughtered.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:9

Commentary on 2 Samuel 17:1-21

(Read 2 Samuel 17:1-21)

Here was a wonderful effect of Divine Providence blinding Absalom's mind and influencing his heart, that he could not rest in Ahithophel's counsel, and that he should desire Hushai's advice. But there is no contending with that God who can arm a man against himself, and destroy him by his own mistakes and passions. Ahithophel's former counsel was followed, for God intended to correct David; but his latter counsel was not followed, for God meant not to destroy him. He can overrule all counsels. Whatever wisdom or help any man employs or affords, the success is from God alone, who will not let his people perish.