So Hushai came to Absalom, who told him, "Ahithophel has spoken this proposal. Should we carry it out? If not, what do you say?" So Hushai came to Absalom,Hushai the Archite was a loyal friend and advisor to King David. In the context of 2 Samuel 17, Hushai's presence in Absalom's court was part of David's strategic plan to counteract the counsel of Ahithophel, who had defected to Absalom. This reflects the tension and division within the kingdom during Absalom's rebellion. Hushai's role as a double agent is crucial, as it demonstrates the theme of divine providence and loyalty amidst political intrigue. 2Sa 16:16-19 And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom… who told him, “Ahithophel has spoken this proposal. Ahithophel was known for his wise counsel, and his advice was highly regarded, almost as if one were consulting the word of God (2 Samuel 16:23). His proposal to Absalom was to pursue David immediately, which was strategically sound. The mention of Ahithophel highlights the gravity of the situation, as his support lent significant credibility to Absalom's cause. This moment underscores the importance of counsel and the impact of wise or foolish decisions in leadership. 2Sa 16:21-22 Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left… Should we carry it out? Absalom's question indicates his reliance on advisors and his uncertainty despite his ambition. This moment of decision is pivotal, as it reflects the broader biblical theme of seeking and discerning wise counsel. The question also sets the stage for the unfolding of God's sovereign plan, as Absalom's choice will ultimately lead to his downfall. It serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning decisions with God's will. 1Ki 22:5-6 But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel,… If not, what do you say?” Absalom's request for Hushai's opinion opens the door for Hushai to fulfill his mission of thwarting Ahithophel's advice. This phrase highlights the role of human agency within divine providence. Hushai's response will be instrumental in the preservation of David's life and the eventual restoration of his kingdom. It also illustrates the biblical principle that God can use individuals in unexpected ways to accomplish His purposes, often turning the wisdom of the world on its head (1 Corinthians 1:27). 2Sa 16:20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me counsel.… Persons / Places / Events 1. HushaiA friend and loyal advisor to King David, who acts as a spy to counteract the counsel of Ahithophel and protect David. 2. Absalom The son of King David who rebels against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. 3. Ahithophel A highly esteemed counselor whose advice was considered almost as if one had consulted the word of God. He initially sided with Absalom during the rebellion. 4. David The King of Israel, father of Absalom, who is in a vulnerable position due to his son's rebellion. 5. Jerusalem The central city of Israel, where Absalom has taken control and where this counsel is being discussed. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly CounselThe passage highlights the need for seeking wisdom from God and discerning the advice we receive. Not all counsel, even from esteemed sources, aligns with God's will. Loyalty and Betrayal Hushai's loyalty to David contrasts with Ahithophel's betrayal, reminding us of the value of faithfulness and the pain of betrayal. The Consequences of Rebellion Absalom's rebellion against his father, David, serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of pride and ambition. Divine Providence Despite human plans and schemes, God's purposes prevail. Hushai's presence and counsel are part of God's plan to protect David. Seeking God's Wisdom Like Absalom, we often face decisions requiring discernment. We should seek God's wisdom through prayer and scripture. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the counsel of Hushai and Ahithophel reflect the broader theme of seeking godly wisdom in our lives?2. In what ways can we identify and avoid the pitfalls of rebellion and pride as seen in Absalom's actions? 3. How can we ensure that our loyalty remains steadfast to those God has placed in our lives, as Hushai did with David? 4. Reflect on a time when you faced conflicting advice. How did you discern the right path, and what role did prayer and scripture play in your decision? 5. How does the account of Absalom's rebellion and the counsel he received encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty over our circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 15:23This verse highlights the theme of rebellion against God's anointed, similar to Absalom's rebellion against David. Proverbs 11:14 This verse speaks to the importance of wise counsel, contrasting the differing advice of Ahithophel and Hushai. Psalm 41:9 David laments betrayal by a close friend, which can be seen in Ahithophel's betrayal. James 1:5 Encourages seeking wisdom from God, relevant to Absalom's request for counsel.
People Abiathar, Abigail, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Ahithophel, Amasa, Ammiel, Ammonites, Arkite, Barzillai, Dan, David, Hushai, Ithra, Jesse, Jether, Joab, Jonathan, Machir, Nahash, Shobi, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces Bahurim, Beersheba, Dan, En-rogel, Gilead, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Lo-debar, Mahanaim, Rabbah, RogelimTopics Absalom, Ab'salom, Advice, Advises, Ahithophel, Ahith'ophel, Carry, Hushai, Manner, Opinion, Plan, Saying, Says, Spake, Speak, Speaketh, Spoke, Spoken, Suggestion, ThusDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 17:1-16Library "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39And no wonder, for David could appreciate a real man when he saw him, and so does David's Lord. I.--LOYALTY IS PRECIOUS TO THE KING OF KINGS. In the days when the son of Jesse had but few friends, it was a precious thing to be treated in the style Barzillai and his neighbours entertained him (see 2 Sam. xvii. 27-29). They were rich farmers, and had land which brought forth with abundance, so were able to act with princely hospitality to the fugitive monarch. But plenty may live with avarice, and … Thomas Champness—Broken Bread The Nations of the South-East Barzillai Continued. David and Jonathan's Son Mr. John Bunyan's Dying Sayings. Letter xxxvi (Circa A. D. 1131) to the Same Hildebert, who had not yet Acknowledged the Lord Innocent as Pope. King of Kings and Lord of Lords Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C. Samuel Links 2 Samuel 17:6 NIV2 Samuel 17:6 NLT 2 Samuel 17:6 ESV 2 Samuel 17:6 NASB 2 Samuel 17:6 KJV 2 Samuel 17:6 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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