Bible Strands
2 Samuel 17:13
If he retreats to a city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not even a pebble can be found there.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Ahithophel addresses Absalom and his commanders, detailing a siege contingency if David flees into a fortified location.
The words — The Hebrew יֵאָסֵף (ye.'a.Sef) means “he will be gathered,” describing a defensive retreat into a city (עִיר / 'ir), while וְ/הִשִּׂ֧יאוּ (ve./hi.Si.'u) literally means “they will cause to bring,” specifying that ropes will be supplied for the operation.
The thread — This language of total urban demolition runs parallel to the judgment declared in Micah 1:6 and Jesus’ prediction in Matthew 24:2.
Why it lands — The text records a human strategy for absolute eradication, which the immediate context then states is overruled by God’s purpose to thwart that counsel and bring disaster on Absalom.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.
Cross-references
- Matthew 24:2 “Do you see all these things?” He replied. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
- Micah 1:6 Therefore I will make Samaria a heap of rubble in the open field, a planting area for a vineyard. I will pour her stones into the valley and expose her foundations.