Lexical Summary Arki: Arkite Original Word: אַרְכִּי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Archi, Archite Patrial from another place (in Palestine) of similar name with 'Erek; an Arkite or native of Erek -- Archi, Archite. see HEBREW 'Erek NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a native of a place in Pal. NASB Translation Archite (5), Archites (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אַרְכִּי adjective, of a people (derivation unknown) applied to חוּשַׁי 2 Samuel 15:32; 2 Samuel 16:16; 2 Samuel 17:5,14; 1 Chronicles 27:33; with article = collective noun ׳גְּבוּל הָא Joshua 16:2 (not far from Bethel). Topical Lexicon Geographical Identity “Archite” designates a person from Archi, a small border district adjoining Bethel on the south-west edge of the tribal allotment of Ephraim (Joshua 16:2). From this ridge, the land falls away toward the western lowlands, giving its inhabitants ready access both to the central hill country and to the coastal trade routes. Though never a large city-state, Archi’s position on the boundary between Ephraim and Benjamin drew it into the life of Israel from the conquest forward. Occurrences in Scripture • Joshua 16:2 Hushai the Archite: Friend of the King The title “Archite” is best known through Hushai, a trusted confidant of David. When the king fled Jerusalem during Absalom’s rebellion, “Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head” (2 Samuel 15:32). David commissioned Hushai to return to the capital, feign loyalty to Absalom, and undermine the counsel of Ahithophel. Hushai’s shrewd presence at court gained Absalom’s ear: “Summon also Hushai the Archite, and let us hear what he too has to say” (2 Samuel 17:5). Hushai’s advice appeared inferior to Ahithophel’s, yet Absalom chose it: “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel” (2 Samuel 17:14). Scripture immediately reveals the unseen cause—“for the LORD had ordained to frustrate the good counsel of Ahithophel.” In this way the Archite became God’s instrument to preserve David, reinforce the prophetic word concerning the perpetuity of his throne, and pave the way for messianic promises to remain intact. God’s Sovereign Use of Counsel The contrast between Hushai and Ahithophel highlights two streams of counsel: one apparently wiser, the other divinely favored. The text presents no hint that Hushai manipulated Absalom solely by human cunning; rather, the outcome illustrates the LORD’s prerogative to overrule human strategy. The episode echoes Proverbs 21:30—“There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.” By attaching the Archite’s name to this turning point, the narrative underscores that even those from Israel’s geographic margins may hold strategic importance in redemptive history. Military and Administrative Service Hushai’s standing continued into the stable years of David’s reign. “Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend” (1 Chronicles 27:33)—an official court position roughly parallel to modern chief advisor or confidential counselor. His inclusion beside Ahithophel, Joab, and Benaiah in the military register testifies to his enduring influence and to David’s esteem for loyalty over tribal origin. Theological Themes 1. Loyalty grounded in covenant faith rather than bloodline. Lessons for Ministry • Personal faithfulness outweighs status. Hushai’s obscurity did not limit his usefulness; a believer’s strategic value rests in devotion to God’s anointed King. Legacy Though the name “Archite” appears only six times, its bearer altered the course of a kingdom. By thwarting rebellion, the Archite safeguarded the line through which the true Son of David would come. His account invites God’s people in every age to offer faithful counsel and to trust the LORD who “catches the wise in their craftiness” yet honors the humble service of those wholly committed to His King. Forms and Transliterations הָאַרְכִּ֑י הָאַרְכִּ֔י הָאַרְכִּ֖י הָאַרְכִּ֛י הארכי hā’arkî hā·’ar·kî haarKiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 16:2 HEB: אֶל־ גְּב֥וּל הָאַרְכִּ֖י עֲטָרֽוֹת׃ NAS: to the border of the Archites at Ataroth. KJV: unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth, INT: to the border of the Archites Ataroth 2 Samuel 15:32 2 Samuel 16:16 2 Samuel 17:5 2 Samuel 17:14 1 Chronicles 27:33 6 Occurrences |
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