Hushai replied
Hushai the Archite was a loyal friend and advisor to King David. In the context of 2 Samuel 17, he was sent back to Jerusalem by David to act as a spy and counter the counsel of Ahithophel, who had sided with Absalom during his rebellion. Hushai's role is crucial in the narrative as he provides David with intelligence and seeks to thwart Ahithophel's plans. His presence in Absalom's court is a strategic move, highlighting the theme of divine providence and loyalty.

This time
The phrase "this time" indicates a specific moment in the ongoing conflict between David and Absalom. It suggests that Ahithophel's previous advice had been sound and effective, which aligns with his reputation for wisdom. However, this particular instance marks a turning point where Hushai sees an opportunity to intervene. The timing is critical, as it reflects the unfolding of God's plan to protect David and ensure the continuation of his dynasty, as promised in 2 Samuel 7:12-16.

the advice of Ahithophel
Ahithophel was known for his wise counsel, and his advice was highly regarded, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:23, where it is said that his counsel was like consulting the word of God. His defection to Absalom was a significant blow to David, both politically and personally. Ahithophel's advice to Absalom was to pursue David immediately, which would have likely resulted in David's defeat. This highlights the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences if Hushai's intervention had not occurred.

is not sound
Hushai's assertion that Ahithophel's advice "is not sound" is a strategic move to buy David time. By undermining Ahithophel's counsel, Hushai aims to protect David and disrupt Absalom's plans. This moment is pivotal, as it demonstrates the theme of divine intervention and wisdom. Hushai's ability to persuade Absalom to reject Ahithophel's advice is seen as God's hand at work, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises to David. This also foreshadows the eventual downfall of Absalom and the restoration of David's reign.

1. Hushai the Archite
A loyal friend and advisor to King David, Hushai was sent back to Jerusalem to act as a spy and counter the counsel of Ahithophel, who had sided with Absalom.

2. Absalom
The son of King David who rebelled against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. His rebellion is a central event in this account.

3. Ahithophel
A highly esteemed counselor whose advice was considered almost as if one had consulted the word of God. He defected to Absalom's side during the rebellion.

4. David
The King of Israel, father of Absalom, and the central figure in the books of Samuel. At this time, he is fleeing from Absalom's rebellion.

5. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, where Absalom has taken control and where Hushai and Ahithophel are advising him.The Importance of Godly Counsel
Hushai's intervention shows the importance of seeking and discerning godly counsel. In our lives, we should seek advisors who are aligned with God's will.

God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans
Despite Ahithophel's wisdom, God's plan prevails. This reminds us that no matter how wise human plans may seem, God's purpose will stand.

Loyalty and Faithfulness
Hushai's loyalty to David, even at great personal risk, is a model of faithfulness. We are called to be loyal to God and His anointed leaders.

The Consequences of Rebellion
Absalom's rebellion against his father is a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of pride and ambition. We must guard our hearts against rebellion against God's authority.(7) Not good at this time.--The words, at this time, should be transposed. What Hushai says is "This time the counsel of Ahithophel is not good," implying that his previous advice (2Samuel 16:21) had been wise, thus assuming an appearance of candour.

Verse 7. - And Hushai said. Hushai gives his advice with much Oriental exaggeration, such as ought to have put Absalom on his guard. His main points are that David was too practised a soldier to let himself be surprised. In his adventures with Saul he and his men had been trained to hold large bodies of pursuers at bay, and evade them. The men, too, who were with him were warriors of desperate valour, whose first thought would be the king's personal safety, and to ensure this they would conceal him in some pit, some cave or ravine, safe and inaccessible by nature; or in some place (omit the inserted word "other"), that is, in some camping place, made strong with ramparts, so as to resist the first attack. "To smite the king only" is, therefore, an impossibility; and if the attack fail, and David's mighties, in their irritation, slaughter a large number of their assailants, and a panic be the result, men will hesitate before they attack such redoubtable champions a second time. A check is fatal to a rebellion, and Absalom, was staking his chance on one hasty encounter. Better leave the decision to all Israel. Their hearts were with Absalom, and, when there has been time for them to gather in their thousands, success is certain. Their numbers will be countless as the sands on the shore, or as the dew upon the grass; while David and his heroes will shrink to so small a body as to be scarcely able to man the walls of one small city. And fighting there will be none; for the myriads of Israel will drag city and fugitives with ropes down into the nearest torrent bed, where the next floods will wash all away. There was more in this than an appeal to Absalom's vanity. If all Israel did take his side, then David's cause would soon be hopeless, and there would be no need of parricide. David's death would be the act of Israel, and not of Absalom. Evidently Absalom believed that all Israel was on his side, and his success hitherto had been so rapid as almost to justify the assumption. To us this success is almost unaccountable, but it suggests that there were great faults in David's administration. Yet even so we wonder at the existence of such general dissatisfaction. At this time. A wrong translation. The Hebrew is, Ahithophel's counsel this time is not good, whereas last time, what he advised about the concubines was good.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hushai
חוּשַׁ֖י (ḥū·šay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2365: Hushai -- two Israelites

replied,
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“This
הַזֹּֽאת׃ (haz·zōṯ)
Article | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

time
בַּפַּ֥עַם (bap·pa·‘am)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6471: A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence

the advice
הָעֵצָ֛ה (hā·‘ê·ṣāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6098: Advice, plan, prudence

of Ahithophel
אֲחִיתֹ֖פֶל (’ă·ḥî·ṯō·p̄el)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 302: Ahithophel -- an adviser of David

is not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

sound.”
טוֹבָ֧ה (ṭō·w·ḇāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good


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OT History: 2 Samuel 17:7 Hushai said to Absalom The counsel that (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)