Hushai

Hushai the Arkite was a loyal friend and advisor to King David, who helped him during Absalom's rebellion by countering the advice of Ahithophel.

Hushai, also known as Hushai the Arkite, was a close friend and advisor to King David. He played a significant role during the rebellion of David's son Absalom, as recorded in 2Samuel 15-17.

When David fled from Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion, Hushai met him on the Mount of Olives, mourning and showing his loyalty to the king (2Sa 15:32). David instructed Hushai to return to Jerusalem and feign allegiance to Absalom, in order to counter the advice of Ahithophel, Absalom's counselor (2Sa 15:34).

Hushai followed David's plan and gained Absalom's trust (2Sa 16:16-19). When Ahithophel advised Absalom to pursue David immediately, Absalom sought Hushai's opinion (2Sa 17:5-7). Hushai cleverly countered Ahithophel's advice, suggesting that Absalom gather a larger army before pursuing David (2Sa 17:8-13). Absalom followed Hushai's advice, which bought David time to regroup and ultimately led to Absalom's defeat (2Sa 17:14-15).

Hushai's loyalty and wise counsel were instrumental in helping David overcome the crisis of Absalom's rebellion. His actions demonstrate the importance of faithful friends and advisors, especially in times of difficulty.

In addition to his role during Absalom's rebellion, Hushai is mentioned in 1Ki 4:16 as one of Solomon's twelve district governors, responsible for providing provisions for the king and his household. He is also listed in 1Ch 27:33 as one of David's counselors, along with Jonathan, David's uncle.

Hushai's service to both David and Solomon highlights his enduring loyalty to the Davidic dynasty and his valued role as a trusted advisor to the kings of Israel.

Quick, “the Archite,” “the king’s friend” (1 Chr. 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 Sam. 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.