17:21 After the men had left, Ahimaaz and Jonathan 1 climbed out of the well. Then they left and informed King David. They advised David, “Get up and cross the stream 2 quickly, for Ahithophel has devised a plan to catch you.” 3
1 tn Heb “they”; the referents (Ahimaaz and Jonathan) have been specified in the translation for clarity.
2 tn Heb “the water.”
3 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.