2. Samuel 17:13

"And if he draw back into a city, all Israel lays ropes to that city, and we drag it to the brook, till there is not even a little stone found there." עד־הנּחל: inasmuch as fortified cities were generally built upon mountains. צרור signifies a little stone, according to the ancient versions. Hushai speaks in hyperboles of the irresistible power which the whole nation would put forth when summoned together for battle, in order to make his advice appear the more plausible.

The contest between David and Absalom is now hasting towards a crisis. It must be determined by the sword, and preparation is made accordingly in this chapter. I. Absalom calls a council of war, in which Ahithophel urges despatch (Sa2 17:1-4), but Hushai recommends deliberation (Sa2 17:5-13); and Hushai's counsel is agreed to (Sa2 17:14), for vexation at which Ahithophel hangs himself (Sa2 17:23). II. Secret intelligence is sent to David (but with much difficultly) of their proceedings (Sa2 17:15-21). III. David marches to the other side Jordan (Sa2 17:22-24), and there his camp is victualled by some of his friends in that country (Sa2 17:27-29). IV. Absalom and his forces march after him into the land of Gilead on the other side Jordan (Sa2 17:25, Sa2 17:26). There we shall, in the next chapter, find the cause decided by a battle: hitherto, every thing has looked black upon poor David, but now the day of his deliverance begins to dawn.