The term "Archite" refers to a group of people or a clan mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically associated with the tribe of Benjamin. The Archites are most notably linked to Hushai, a loyal friend and advisor to King David. The name "Archite" is derived from the Hebrew word "Arki," which is believed to denote a geographical or familial origin, possibly indicating a connection to a place or a family line within the tribe of Benjamin.

Biblical References:

1. Hushai the Archite: The most prominent mention of an Archite in the Bible is Hushai, who is described as "Hushai the Archite, David's friend" (2 Samuel 15:37). Hushai played a crucial role during Absalom's rebellion against King David. When Absalom sought to overthrow his father, David, Hushai infiltrated Absalom's court as a double agent. His counsel was instrumental in thwarting the advice of Ahithophel, Absalom's advisor, thereby aiding David's cause. The Bible records, "Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, 'Long live the king! Long live the king!'" (2 Samuel 16:16). Hushai's loyalty and strategic acumen were pivotal in preserving David's reign.

2. Geographical and Tribal Association: The Archites are associated with the region of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This connection is inferred from the genealogical and territorial listings found in the Old Testament. While the Bible does not provide extensive details about the Archites as a distinct group, their mention alongside other clans and families within the tribe of Benjamin suggests their integration into the broader tribal structure.

3. Role in David's Reign: The Archites, through Hushai, played a significant role during a critical period in David's reign. Hushai's intervention is a testament to the complex political and social dynamics of ancient Israel, where loyalty and wisdom were highly valued. The narrative of Hushai the Archite underscores the importance of divine providence and human agency in the unfolding of biblical history.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The Archites, like many other clans mentioned in the Bible, reflect the intricate tapestry of Israelite society. Their mention in the context of David's reign highlights the interconnectedness of various families and tribes in the governance and defense of the kingdom. The loyalty of Hushai the Archite to King David is emblematic of the covenantal relationships that were central to Israel's identity and cohesion as a nation.

In summary, the Archites, though not extensively detailed in the biblical text, are significant through the figure of Hushai. His actions during Absalom's rebellion provide insight into the political and spiritual landscape of ancient Israel, illustrating themes of loyalty, wisdom, and divine intervention.The usual designation of Hushai (2 Samuel 15:32; 17:5, 14; 1 Chronicles 27:33), who was a native of Archi. He was "the king's friend", i.e., he held office under David similar to that of our modern privy councillor. 757. Arki -- a native of a place in Palestine
... a native of a place in Palestine. Transliteration: Arki Phonetic Spelling: (ar-kee')
Short Definition: Archite. ... NASB Word Usage Archite (5), Archites (1). ...
/hebrew/757.htm - 6k

Absalom the Ungrateful Son
... And when David came to the summit, where one worships God, Hushai the Archite
with his garment torn and earth upon his head, came to meet him. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/absalom the ungrateful son.htm

Archite (7 Occurrences)
... He was "the king's friend", ie, he held office under David similar to that of our
modern privy councillor. Multi-Version Concordance Archite (7 Occurrences). ...
/a/archite.htm - 8k

Arkite (7 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 15:32 It happened that when David had come to the top of the ascent, where
God was worshiped, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his ...
/a/arkite.htm - 9k

Ahith'ophel (15 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 17:14 And Absalom and all the men of Israel said: 'The counsel of Hushai
the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.' --For the LORD had ...
/a/ahith'ophel.htm - 10k

Ab'salom (85 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 2 Samuel 16:16 It happened, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend,
had come to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, "Long live the king! ...
/a/ab'salom.htm - 29k

Ahithophel (17 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 17:14 Absalom and all the men of Israel said, "The counsel of Hushai the
Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel." For Yahweh had ordained to ...
/a/ahithophel.htm - 16k

Hushai (13 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Quick, "the Archite," "the king's friend" (1
Chronicles 27:33). When David fled from Jerusalem, on account ...
/h/hushai.htm - 12k

Absalom (93 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 16:16 It happened, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, had come
to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, "Long live the king! ...
/a/absalom.htm - 50k

Wont (19 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 15:32 And it came to pass, that, when David was come to the top of the
ascent , where God was worshipped, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him ...
/w/wont.htm - 12k

Willed (13 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 17:14 And Absalom saith -- and all the men of Israel -- 'Better 'is' the
counsel of Hushai the Archite than the counsel of Ahithophel;' and Jehovah ...
/w/willed.htm - 10k

Frustrate (7 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 17:14 Absalom and all the men of Israel said, "The counsel of Hushai the
Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel." For Yahweh had ordained to ...
/f/frustrate.htm - 10k

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