What can we learn from Hushai's approach to dealing with adversaries? Setting the Scene 2 Samuel 16:16 — “When Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, came to Absalom, Hushai said to him, ‘Long live the king! Long live the king!’” David’s trusted advisor Hushai enters a city now ruled by David’s rebellious son, Absalom. Behind this single verse stands an entire strategy: Hushai has volunteered to stay in Jerusalem, pretend allegiance to Absalom, and undermine the wicked counsel of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:34; 17:14). From his first words, we watch a master class in dealing with adversaries. Strategic Loyalty •Though outwardly greeting Absalom, Hushai’s true allegiance never shifts. •2 Samuel 15:37 — “Hushai, David’s friend, went into the city as Absalom was entering.” He is placed where he can best serve God’s anointed king. •Lesson: When the righteous cause is threatened, loyalty sometimes means operating behind enemy lines. Staying faithful may require uncomfortable assignments, yet God uses such placements (Esther 4:14). Measured Words •Hushai’s greeting is concise and ambiguous: “Long live the king!” If Absalom assumes the words celebrate him, Hushai never explicitly lies; his heart still faces David. •Proverbs 15:23 — “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply, and how good is a timely word!”. •Proverbs 21:23 — “He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.” •Lesson: With adversaries, speak truthfully yet prudently. Choose words that maintain integrity while preventing needless conflict. Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves •Matthew 10:16 — “Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” •Hushai’s shrewdness foils Ahithophel’s deadly plan, saving David’s life (2 Samuel 17:14). •Lesson: God commends strategic thinking joined to pure motives. Courage is not opposed to caution. Confidence in Divine Providence •Hushai trusts that the LORD will overturn Absalom’s rebellion: “The LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel” (2 Samuel 17:14). •Psalm 33:10 — “The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples.” •Lesson: Engage adversaries without panic. God remains sovereign over every scheme. Peace Without Compromise •Romans 12:18 — “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.” •Hushai seeks the peaceful route—talk, counsel, delay—rather than immediate violence. •Lesson: When righteousness and peace can coexist, choose peace; but never at the cost of truth or loyalty. Practical Takeaways for Today •Stay loyal to God and His righteousness even when pressured to conform. •Guard your words; let them be both honest and wise. •Cultivate holy shrewdness—strategy that serves godly purposes. •Rest in God’s sovereignty; He can overturn evil counsel in ways we could never script. •Pursue peace, yet refuse compromise with sin. Hushai shows that dealing with adversaries is less about volume and aggression, more about unwavering loyalty, careful speech, strategic wisdom, and steady trust in the LORD who directs every outcome. |
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