How does Hushai's loyalty to David reflect godly friendship and counsel? Setting the Scene • Absalom has usurped the throne. David is on the run. • Into this tension walks Hushai the Archite—David’s longtime friend and adviser (2 Samuel 15:32–37). • 2 Samuel 16:18: “Hushai answered Absalom, ‘No, for whomever the LORD, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain.’” Marks of Godly Friendship • Steadfastness under pressure – Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” – Hushai risks his life by infiltrating Absalom’s court rather than abandon David. • Alignment with God’s choice – Hushai roots his loyalty in what “the LORD…has chosen,” showing friendship grounded first in obedience to God. • Personal sacrifice – John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” – Hushai’s covert role could cost him everything, echoing this principle. Counsel That Protects • Strategically placed by David (2 Samuel 15:34): “But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king…’ then you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel.” • Hushai’s words in 2 Samuel 17:7–14 overturn Ahithophel’s deadly advice, giving David time to regroup. • Proverbs 27:9: “Oil and perfume bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul.” Hushai’s counsel literally saves lives, illustrating this proverb. Evidence of Covenant Loyalty • Hebrew concept of hesed (steadfast love) underpins true friendship (Ruth 1:16–17). • Hushai models hesed by binding his fate to David despite opposing forces. Fruit of Faithful Counsel • David escapes (2 Samuel 17:21–22). • Absalom’s revolt collapses (2 Samuel 18). • God vindicates loyalty—Psalm 41:11: “By this I know that You delight in me: my enemy does not triumph over me.” Takeaways for Today • True friends stand with you when it costs them. • God-honoring counsel seeks the Lord’s choice, not personal advantage. • Strategic, wise words spoken at the right moment can shift entire battles. • Loyal friendship becomes a channel through which God accomplishes His faithful purposes. |
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