Jump to: Hitchcock's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Hushai, often referred to as "Hushai the Archite," is a significant figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the narrative surrounding King David's reign. He is introduced in 2 Samuel and is known for his loyalty to David during the rebellion of Absalom, David's son.Background and Role: Hushai is described as an "Archite," which likely indicates his origin from a place or clan named Archi, possibly near Bethel. He is recognized as a close friend and advisor to King David. His loyalty and wisdom are highlighted during the turbulent period of Absalom's rebellion. Loyalty to David: When Absalom conspires to overthrow his father, King David, Hushai's loyalty becomes evident. As David flees Jerusalem to escape Absalom's advancing forces, Hushai meets him with torn clothes and dust on his head, a sign of mourning and solidarity (2 Samuel 15:32). David, recognizing Hushai's potential to aid him, sends him back to Jerusalem to act as a counter to Ahithophel, Absalom's chief advisor. Role as a Spy and Advisor: Hushai's primary mission is to thwart the counsel of Ahithophel, whose advice is highly esteemed and considered almost as if one had inquired of the word of God (2 Samuel 16:23). Hushai successfully gains Absalom's trust and is able to offer counsel that ultimately benefits David. In 2 Samuel 17:14, it is noted, "So 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 purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster upon Absalom." Hushai advises Absalom to delay his attack on David, giving David time to regroup and prepare. This advice is contrary to Ahithophel's counsel, which would have led to a swift and potentially successful attack against David. Hushai's strategy allows David to escape and organize his forces, ultimately leading to Absalom's defeat. Communication with David: Hushai's role as a double agent is further facilitated by his communication with David through the priests Zadok and Abiathar and their sons, who act as messengers (2 Samuel 15:35-36). This network ensures that David remains informed of Absalom's plans and can act accordingly. Legacy: Hushai's actions are pivotal in the preservation of David's kingdom. His wisdom and loyalty are instrumental in countering the rebellion and ensuring David's continued reign. Hushai's account is a testament to the importance of wise counsel and the providential hand of God in the affairs of His chosen leaders. Hushai's narrative is a reminder of the value of loyalty and the impact of strategic wisdom in times of crisis. His account is preserved in the biblical account as an example of faithfulness and divine intervention in the history of Israel. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Hushaitheir haste; their sensuality; their silence ATS Bible Dictionary HushaiThe Archite, David's friend. Being informed of Absalom's rebellion and that David was obliged to fly from Jerusalem, he met him on an eminence without the city, with his clothes rent and his head covered with earth. David suggested that if he went with him he would be a burden to him; but that he might do him important service if he should remain in Absalom's suite as an adviser. Hushai therefore returned to Jerusalem, and by defeating the counsel of Ahithophel. And gaining time for David, to whom he sent advices, was the cause of Ahithophel's suicide and of Absalom's miscarriage, 2 Samuel 15:32-37; 16:16-19; 17:1-29. Easton's Bible Dictionary Quick, "the Archite," "the king's friend" (1 Chronicles 27:33). When David fled from Jerusalem, on account of the rebellion of Absalom, and had reached the summit of Olivet, he there met Hushai, whom he sent back to Jerusalem for the purpose of counteracting the influence of Ahithophel, who had joined the ranks of Absalom (2 Samuel 15:32, 37; 16:16-18). It was by his advice that Absalom refrained from immediately pursuing after David. By this delay the cause of Absalom was ruined, for it gave David time to muster his forces. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HUSHAIhut'-shi, hus'-sha-i (chushay, Chousei; Josephus, Chousi): An Archite, native of Archi or Erech(?), West of Bethel on the northern border of Benjamin and southern border of Joseph (Joshua 16:2). Hushai was one of David's most faithful and wise counselors. When David was fleeing from Jerusalem and Absalom, Hushai met him, having his coat rent and earth on his head. The king persuaded him to return to Jerusalem, feign submission to Absalom, and try to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:32 f). Whatever Absalom decided on, Hushai was to send word to David through two young men, sons of the priests Zadok and Abiathar (2 Samuel 15:34-36). Hushai obeyed, and succeeded in persuading Absalom to adopt his counsel rather than that of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 16:16-17:14). He sent word to David of the nature of Ahithophel's counsel, and the king made good his escape that night across the Jordan. The result was the suicide of Ahithophel and the ultimate defeat and death of Absalom. Strong's Hebrew 2365. Chushay -- two Israelites... Chushay. 2366 . two Israelites. Transliteration: Chushay Phonetic Spelling: (khoo-shah'-ee) Short Definition: Hushai. ... NASB Word Usage Hushai (14). Hushai. ... /hebrew/2365.htm - 6k Library Concerning the Insurrection of Absalom against David and ... Absalom the Ungrateful Son The Answer, that Leave to Lie, which was not Even Granted under ... We must Observe a Right Standard Between Too Great Mildness and ... Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487. King of Kings and Lord of Lords The Antiquities of the Jews His Name --The Counsellor Discussion of the Subject of Permission A Treatise of the Fear of God; Thesaurus Ben-hushai (1 Occurrence)Ben-hushai. Ben-hur, Ben-hushai. Beniah . Multi-Version Concordance Ben-hushai (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:16 Baanah Ben-Hushai 'is' in Asher, and in Aloth. ... /b/ben-hushai.htm - 6k Archite (7 Occurrences) Arkite (7 Occurrences) Ahith'ophel (15 Occurrences) Ahithophel (17 Occurrences) Ab'salom (85 Occurrences) Suggestion (25 Occurrences) Advice (52 Occurrences) Hushai's (1 Occurrence) Absalom (93 Occurrences) Resources Who was Zadok in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Absalom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Hushai (13 Occurrences)2 Samuel 15:32 2 Samuel 15:37 2 Samuel 16:16 2 Samuel 16:17 2 Samuel 16:18 2 Samuel 17:5 2 Samuel 17:6 2 Samuel 17:7 2 Samuel 17:8 2 Samuel 17:14 2 Samuel 17:15 1 Kings 4:16 1 Chronicles 27:33 Subtopics Related Terms |