Atomic Bible

David's friend and advisor who helped him during Absalom's rebellion.

Hushai

Named in 13 verses across 3 books, first in 2 Samuel 15:32.

חוּשַׁיHushai

The name means “their haste; their sensuality; their silence.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869

Children
Baana

About Hushai Written by AI

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 (2 Samuel 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 (2 Samuel 15:34). Hushai followed David's plan and gained Absalom's trust (2 Samuel 16:16 to 19). When Ahithophel advised Absalom to pursue David immediately, Absalom sought Hushai's opinion (2 Samuel 17:5 to 7). Hushai cleverly countered Ahithophel's advice, suggesting that Absalom gather a larger army before pursuing David (2 Samuel 17:8 to 13). Absalom followed Hushai's advice, which bought David time to regroup and ultimately led to Absalom's defeat (2 Samuel 17:14 to 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 1 Kings 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 1 Chronicles 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.

Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.

Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897

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.

M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.

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Where the Bible names him

  1. 2 Samuel 15:32

    When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head.

  2. 2 Samuel 15:37

    So David’s friend Hushai arrived in Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering the city.

  3. 2 Samuel 16:16

    And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”

  4. 2 Samuel 16:17

    “Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?”

  5. 2 Samuel 16:18

    “Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by this people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain.

  6. 2 Samuel 17:5

    Then Absalom said, “Summon Hushai the Archite as well, and let us hear what he too has to say.”

  7. 2 Samuel 17:6

    So Hushai came to Absalom, who told him, “Ahithophel has spoken this proposal. Should we carry it out? If not, what do you say?”

  8. 2 Samuel 17:7

    Hushai replied, “This time the advice of Ahithophel is not sound.”

  9. 2 Samuel 17:8

    He continued, “You know your father and his men. They are mighty men, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Moreover, your father is a man of war who will not spend the night with the troops.

  10. 2 Samuel 17:14

    Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.

  11. 2 Samuel 17:15

    So Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, “This is what Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and this is what I have advised.

  12. 1 Kings 4:16

    Baana son of Hushai in Asher and in Aloth;

  13. 1 Chronicles 27:33

    Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.

From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.