What role does Hushai play in God's plan for David's protection? Setting the Scene—2 Samuel 16:15 “Then Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, entered Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him.” • David is on the run. • Absalom, backed by Ahithophel’s razor-sharp counsel, looks unstoppable. • Into this tension steps Hushai, apparently alone yet divinely positioned. Who Is Hushai? • “Hushai the Archite was David’s friend.” (2 Samuel 15:37) • Loyal court adviser and elder statesman. • Sent back to Jerusalem by David when flight began, with one assignment: “Defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel.” (15:34) God’s Provision Through Hushai 1. A Timely Presence – Hushai arrives in Jerusalem just as Absalom enters (16:16). – The right man in the right place at the right moment—clearly no coincidence. 2. A Trusted Cover – He greets Absalom: “Long live the king!” (16:16). – His words satisfy Absalom’s ego; the rebel never suspects divine infiltration. 3. A Messenger Network – Priests Zadok and Abiathar, with sons Ahimaaz and Jonathan, relay Hushai’s intel to David (17:15-16). – God weaves an undercover communication chain inside enemy headquarters. Hushai’s Strategic Obedience • 2 Samuel 17:5-14 records the pivotal moment: – Ahithophel urges an immediate strike; Hushai urges delay. – He magnifies David’s military prowess (“your father is a mighty man,” v. 8) and recommends a massive mobilization (v. 9-11). – “The LORD had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, in order to bring disaster on Absalom.” (v. 14) • Hushai’s words give David the night he needs to cross the Jordan (17:21-22). Contrast: Hushai vs. Ahithophel • Ahithophel: brilliant strategist, yet his wisdom perishes when contrary to God’s plan (17:23). • Hushai: seemingly weaker, yet empowered by God to nullify superior intellect (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:27). • Lesson: divine purpose outmaneuvers human brilliance every time (Proverbs 19:21). Fruit of Hushai’s Counsel • David reaches Mahanaim safely; Absalom’s pursuit is stalled. • The ensuing battle ends in Absalom’s defeat and death (2 Samuel 18). • Psalm 33:10-11 is illustrated: “The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever.” Lessons on Divine Protection • God often shields His people through quiet, loyal servants positioned inside hostile territory. • He can turn a single conversation (Hushai’s speech) into a safeguard for His anointed. • Trusting God’s sovereignty means believing He already has the Hushai in place before the crisis fully unfolds. |
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