Introduction:
Hushai the Archite is a significant figure in the narrative of King David's reign, particularly during the rebellion of Absalom, David's son. Hushai's role as a counselor and his strategic intervention are pivotal in the unfolding events of this biblical account. His account is primarily found in 2 Samuel 15-17.

Background:
Hushai is introduced as a loyal friend and advisor to King David. When Absalom conspires to overthrow his father, David, Hushai's loyalty becomes a crucial element in the preservation of David's kingship. As David flees Jerusalem to escape Absalom's uprising, Hushai meets him with torn clothes and dust on his head, a sign of mourning and solidarity (2 Samuel 15:32).

Hushai's Mission:
David instructs Hushai to return to Jerusalem and offer his services to Absalom, thereby infiltrating the inner circle of the usurper's court. David's strategic plan is for Hushai to counteract the counsel of Ahithophel, Absalom's advisor, whose advice was highly esteemed and often regarded as if one were inquiring of the word of God (2 Samuel 16:23).

The Counsel of Ahithophel:
Ahithophel advises Absalom to pursue David immediately, suggesting a swift attack to catch David off guard and demoralize his followers. This counsel is described as sound and would likely have led to David's defeat (2 Samuel 17:1-4).

Hushai's Counter-Counsel:
Upon entering Absalom's court, Hushai gains Absalom's trust and is asked for his opinion on Ahithophel's plan. Hushai cleverly argues against it, suggesting that David and his men are fierce warriors and that an immediate attack would be disastrous. Instead, he proposes gathering all Israel from Dan to Beersheba, creating an overwhelming force to ensure victory (2 Samuel 17:5-13).

Divine Intervention:
The narrative highlights that the LORD had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster upon Absalom (2 Samuel 17:14). Hushai's counsel is accepted, giving David time to regroup and prepare for the eventual confrontation.

Outcome:
Hushai's intervention allows David to escape and organize his forces. The delay caused by Hushai's counsel leads to the eventual defeat of Absalom's army. Ahithophel, realizing his advice was not followed and foreseeing the failure of Absalom's rebellion, takes his own life (2 Samuel 17:23).

Significance:
Hushai's role in the narrative underscores themes of loyalty, divine providence, and the wisdom of strategic counsel. His actions demonstrate the importance of faithfulness to God's anointed king and the belief that God can use human agents to fulfill His purposes. Hushai's counsel, while seemingly political, is ultimately a tool used by God to preserve the Davidic line, which is central to the unfolding of biblical history and prophecy.

References:
· 2 Samuel 15:32-37
· 2 Samuel 16:15-19
· 2 Samuel 17:1-23