Hushai חוּשַׁי
David's friend and advisor who helped him during Absalom's rebellion.
Who is Hushai in the Bible?
Hushai the Arkite was a loyal friend and advisor to King David who played a crucial role during the rebellion of David's son Absalom (2 Samuel 15-17). When David fled Jerusalem, Hushai met him on the Mount of Olives and was instructed to return to the city to undermine the counsel of Ahithophel, Absalom's advisor (2 Samuel 15:32-34). Hushai successfully gained Absalom's trust and, when Ahithophel recommended an immediate pursuit of David, Hushai countered with advice to gather a larger army first, thereby delaying Absalom's attack and allowing David time to escape (2 Samuel 17:5-14). His strategic wisdom and unwavering loyalty exemplify the importance of faithful counsel in times of crisis and demonstrate how God used Hushai's actions to preserve David's life during his darkest hour.
Biography
Hushai, also known as Hushai the Arkite, was a close friend and advisor to King David. He played a significant role during the rebellion of David's son Absalom, as recorded in 2 Samuel 15-17.
When David fled from Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion, Hushai met him on the Mount of Olives, mourning and showing his loyalty to the king (2Sa.15.32). David instructed Hushai to return to Jerusalem and feign allegiance to Absalom, in order to counter the advice of Ahithophel, Absalom's counselor (2Sa.15.34).
Hushai followed David's plan and gained Absalom's trust (2Sa.16.16-19). When Ahithophel advised Absalom to pursue David immediately, Absalom sought Hushai's opinion (2Sa.17.5-7). Hushai cleverly countered Ahithophel's advice, suggesting that Absalom gather a larger army before pursuing David (2Sa.17.8-13). Absalom followed Hushai's advice, which bought David time to regroup and ultimately led to Absalom's defeat (2Sa.17.14-15).
Hushai's loyalty and wise counsel were instrumental in helping David overcome the crisis of Absalom's rebellion. His actions demonstrate the importance of faithful friends and advisors, especially in times of difficulty.
In addition to his role during Absalom's rebellion, Hushai is mentioned in 1Ki.4.16 as one of Solomon's twelve district governors, responsible for providing provisions for the king and his household. He is also listed in 1Ch.27.33 as one of David's counselors, along with Jonathan, David's uncle.
Hushai's service to both David and Solomon highlights his enduring loyalty to the Davidic dynasty and his valued role as a trusted advisor to the kings of Israel.
Family
In Scripture
3 biblical books2 Samuel 5 verses
- 2 Samuel 15:32
"When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head."
- 2 Samuel 15:37
"So David’s friend Hushai arrived in Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering the city."
- 2 Samuel 16:16
"And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”"
- 2 Samuel 16:17
"“Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?”"
- 2 Samuel 16:18
"“Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by this people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain."
1 Kings 1 verse
- 1 Kings 4:16
"Baana son of Hushai in Asher and in Aloth;"
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 27:33
"Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | חוּשַׁי |
Hushai
:2). Hushai was one of David's most faithful and wise counselors. When David was fleeing from Jerusalem and Absalom, Hushai met him, having his coat rent and earth on his head. The king persuaded him to return to Jerusalem, feign submission to Absalom, and try to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel (2Sa 15:32 f). Whatever Absalom decided on, Hushai was to send word to David through two young men, sons of the priests Zadok and Abiathar (2Sa 15:34-36). Hushai obeyed, and succeeded in persuading Absalom to adopt his counsel rather than that of Ahithophel (2Sa 16:16-17:14). He sent word to David of the nature of Ahithophel's counsel, and the king made good his escape that night across the Jordan. The result was the suicide of Ahithophel and the ultimate defeat and death of Absalom.
J. J. Reeve
hu'-sham (chusham, Ge 36:34; chusham, 1Ch 1:45-46, "alert"): According to the former reference, Husham was one of the kings of Edom, a