And David's friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, "Long live the king! Long live the king!" And David’s friend Hushai the ArchiteHushai is identified as a friend of King David, which implies a close and trusted relationship. The term "friend" in this context can denote a counselor or advisor, indicating Hushai's significant role in David's court. The designation "the Archite" refers to his origin from the region of Archi, near Bethel, in the territory of Benjamin. This geographical detail highlights the tribal affiliations and loyalties that were significant in Israelite society. Hushai's loyalty to David is crucial, as he becomes a key figure in the counter-strategy against Absalom's rebellion. went to Absalom
Absalom, David's son, has usurped the throne, and Hushai's approach to him is part of a strategic plan. This action takes place during Absalom's rebellion, a critical period of civil unrest in Israel. Hushai's decision to go to Absalom is a calculated move to infiltrate the usurper's court and provide intelligence to David. This reflects the complex political maneuvers and the theme of loyalty versus betrayal that runs throughout the narrative. and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”
Hushai's greeting, "Long live the king," is a traditional acclamation of loyalty and allegiance. By repeating the phrase, Hushai emphasizes his apparent support for Absalom, which is a strategic deception. This phrase is loaded with irony, as Hushai's true allegiance remains with David. The repetition also serves to convince Absalom of Hushai's sincerity. This moment is a pivotal example of the use of wisdom and cunning in the biblical narrative, reminiscent of other instances where God's people employ shrewdness to achieve divine purposes, such as Rahab's actions in Joshua 2. The phrase also subtly underscores the tension between the rightful king, David, and the usurper, Absalom, pointing to the ultimate sovereignty of God in establishing and deposing rulers. Persons / Places / Events 1. Hushai the ArchiteA loyal friend and advisor to King David. Known for his wisdom and strategic thinking, Hushai plays a crucial role in David's plan to counter Absalom's rebellion. 2. AbsalomThe son of King David who rebels against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. His ambition and charisma make him a formidable opponent. 3. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, known for his heart after God. At this point in the account, David is fleeing from Absalom's rebellion. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel and the center of political and spiritual life. It is the backdrop for the unfolding drama of Absalom's rebellion. 5. RebellionThe event where Absalom seeks to overthrow his father, King David, leading to a civil conflict within Israel. Teaching Points Loyalty in FriendshipHushai's actions remind us of the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in our relationships. True friends stand by each other in times of adversity. Wisdom in AdversityHushai's strategic approach to dealing with Absalom's rebellion teaches us the value of wisdom and discernment when facing challenges. God's SovereigntyDespite the chaos of Absalom's rebellion, God's sovereign plan is at work. We can trust that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire. The Cost of RebellionAbsalom's account serves as a warning about the destructive nature of pride and rebellion against God's anointed leadership. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hushai's loyalty to David inspire you to be a better friend in your own relationships? 2. In what ways can you seek God's wisdom when facing difficult situations, as Hushai did? 3. How does the account of Absalom's rebellion challenge you to examine areas of pride or rebellion in your own life? 4. What can we learn about God's sovereignty from the unfolding events in 2 Samuel 16? 5. How do the friendships in your life reflect the biblical principles of loyalty and faithfulness seen in Hushai's relationship with David? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 18:1-4The friendship between David and Jonathan, which parallels the loyalty Hushai shows to David. Proverbs 27:6The value of faithful friends, as Hushai demonstrates loyalty to David even in dangerous circumstances. Psalm 41:9David's lament over betrayal, contrasting with Hushai's faithfulness. John 15:13-15Jesus' teaching on friendship, highlighting the sacrificial nature of true friends, akin to Hushai's actions. People Abishai, Absalom, Ahithophel, Arkite, David, Gera, Hushai, Mephibosheth, Saul, Shimei, Zeruiah, ZibaPlaces Bahurim, JerusalemTopics Absalom, Ab'salom, Archite, Arkite, David's, Friend, Hushai, Pass, SaveDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 16:14 5582 tiredness Library But Although Patience be a virtue of the Mind...
8. But although patience be a virtue of the mind, yet partly the mind exercises it in the mind itself, partly in the body. In itself it exercises patience, when, the body remaining unhurt and untouched, the mind is goaded by any adversities or filthinesses of things or words, to do or to say something that is not expedient or not becoming, and patiently bears all evils that it may not itself commit any evil in work or word. By this patience we bear, even while we be sound in body, that in the midst …
St. Augustine—On Patience Nob. Bahurim.
That Nob was placed in the land of Benjamin, not far from Jerusalem, whence Jerusalem also might be seen,--the words of the Chaldee paraphrast, upon Isaiah 10:32, do argue. For so he speaks; "Sennacherib came and stood in Nob, a city of the priests, before the walls of Jerusalem; and said to his army, 'Is not this the city of Jerusalem, against which I have raised my whole army, and have subdued all the provinces of it? Is it not small and weak in comparison of all the fortifications of the Gentiles, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica David and Jonathan's Son
'And David said, is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? 2. And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. 3. And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. 4. And the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Godly are in Some Sense Already Blessed
I proceed now to the second aphorism or conclusion, that the godly are in some sense already blessed. The saints are blessed not only when they are apprehended by God, but while they are travellers to glory. They are blessed before they are crowned. This seems a paradox to flesh and blood. What, reproached and maligned, yet blessed! A man that looks upon the children of God with a carnal eye and sees how they are afflicted, and like the ship in the gospel which was covered with waves' (Matthew 8:24), …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ
IT needs no proof that Luke attached the highest importance to this part of his narrative. That Jesus was indicated from the beginning as the Messiah -- though not a necessary part of his life and work, and wholly omitted by Mark and only briefly indicated in mystical language by John -- was a highly interesting and important fact in itself, and could not fail to impress the historian. The elaboration and detail of the first two chapters of the Gospel form a sufficient proof that Luke recognized …
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem? Voluntary Suffering
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. T hat which often passes amongst men for resolution, and the proof of a noble, courageous spirit, is, in reality, the effect of a weak and little mind. At least, it is chiefly owing to the presence of certain circumstances, which have a greater influence upon the conduct, than any inherent principle. Thus may persons who appear to set death and danger at defiance in the hour …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Meditations for one that is Like to Die.
If thy sickness be like to increase unto death, then meditate on three things:--First, How graciously God dealeth with thee. Secondly, From what evils death will free thee. Thirdly, What good death will bring unto thee. The first sort of Meditations are, to consider God's favourable dealing with thee. 1. Meditate that God uses this chastisement of thy body but as a medicine to cure thy soul, by drawing thee, who art sick in sin, to come by repentance unto Christ, thy physician, to have thy soul healed …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold, and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow! A lthough the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophecies (Luke 24:44) , bear an harmonious testimony to MESSIAH ; it is not necessary to suppose that every single passage has an immediate and direct relation to Him. A method of exposition has frequently obtained [frequently been in vogue], of a fanciful and allegorical cast [contrivance], under the pretext …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 16:16 NIV2 Samuel 16:16 NLT2 Samuel 16:16 ESV2 Samuel 16:16 NASB2 Samuel 16:16 KJV
2 Samuel 16:16 Commentaries
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