2 Samuel 17:20-21

17:20 When the servants of Absalom approached the woman at her home, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” The woman replied to them, “They crossed over the stream.” Absalom’s men ¹  searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem. ² 

17:21 After the men had left, Ahimaaz and Jonathan ³  climbed out of the well. Then they left and informed King David. They advised David, “Get up and cross the stream ⁴  quickly, for Ahithophel has devised a plan to catch you.” ⁵ 

[17:20]  ¹ tn Heb “they”; the referents (Absalom’s men) have been specified in the translation for clarity.

[17:20]  ² map For location see Map5 B1; Map6 F3; Map7 E2; Map8 F2; Map10 B3; JP1 F4; JP2 F4; JP3 F4; JP4 F4.

[17:21]  ³ tn Heb “they”; the referents (Ahimaaz and Jonathan) have been specified in the translation for clarity.

[17:21]  ⁴ tn Heb “the water.”

[17:21]  ⁵ tn Heb “for thus Ahithophel has devised against you.” The expression “thus” is narrative shorthand, referring to the plan outlined by Ahithophel (see vv. 1-3). The men would surely have outlined the plan in as much detail as they had been given by the messenger.