Hushai was an advisor to King David mentioned in 2 Samuel chapters 15-17. He played an important role during Absalom’s rebellion against David. Here is an overview of Hushai’s story and significance in the Bible:
Hushai’s Background
The Bible first introduces Hushai as David’s friend in 2 Samuel 15:32-37. When David was fleeing Jerusalem during Absalom’s rebellion, he sent Hushai back to the city to counter the advice of Ahithophel, who had betrayed David and was advising Absalom. Hushai was from the town of Archi and is described as David’s companion and friend.
Hushai Pretends to Betray David
When Hushai returned to Jerusalem, he met Absalom and pledged his loyalty, saying “Long live the king!” (2 Samuel 16:16). Absalom was suspicious and asked why Hushai was not loyal to his friend David. Hushai convinced Absalom that he would now serve him as the new king. This pretense of betrayal was part of Hushai’s plan to undermine Ahithophel’s counsel and aid David (2 Samuel 15:34).
Hushai Counters Ahithophel’s Advice
Ahithophel urged Absalom to immediately pursue and kill David while he was vulnerable on the run. However, Absalom also summoned Hushai to get his advice. Hushai cautioned Absalom against this plan and recommended gathering a massive army first, buying time for David (2 Samuel 17:1-14). Absalom decided to follow Hushai’s advice rather than Ahithophel’s wise counsel. This was Hushai’s critical move to protect David.
Hushai Informs David via the Priests
After dissuading Absalom from immediately pursuing David, Hushai informed the priests Zadok and Abiathar about Ahithophel’s plans so they could warn David to cross the Jordan River for safety (2 Samuel 17:15-22). So Hushai not only countered Ahithophel’s advice but made sure David knew about the danger he was in.
Ahithophel’s Death
When Absalom chose Hushai’s advice over his, Ahithophel was so distressed that he went home, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself (2 Samuel 17:23). This removed a strategic threat against David. Hushai’s shrewd counsel had indirectly led to the demise of one of David’s enemies.
Hushai Protects David
2 Samuel 15:32-37 indicates that David sent Hushai back to Jerusalem for the very purpose of countering Ahithophel’s advice. As David’s secret agent, Hushai carried out this mission brilliantly. He pretended to betray David in order to gain Absalom’s trust and counter Ahithophel’s wise advice. Through his cunning counsel, he bought time for David’s escape and indirectly led to Ahithophel’s death. Hushai faithfully served David during this difficult trial.
Hushai’s Wise Counsel
Hushai’s advice sounded wise on the surface but was intended to benefit David, not Absalom. He told Absalom that Ahithophel’s plan was unwise because David and his men were veterans of war and would be dangerous if cornered (2 Samuel 17:8). So Hushai urged Absalom to gather a massive army first. In reality, this delay allowed time for David to escape. Hushai cunningly cloaked his true intent with wise-sounding counsel.
Parallels to Ahithophel
In some ways, Hushai functioned as a godly counterpart to Ahithophel for David:
- Ahithophel betrayed David and advised Absalom. Hushai pretended to betray David but was secretly loyal to him.
- Ahithophel gave shrewd advice to harm David. Hushai gave shrewd advice to protect David.
- David prayed that God would turn Ahithophel’s counsel to foolishness (2 Samuel 15:31). God answered through Hushai’s wisdom.
Why Hushai Was Loyal to David
Why did Hushai remain so loyal to David, even when it appeared that Absalom would be the new king? Several reasons may have motivated his faithfulness:
- Hushai was David’s true friend, not just a political ally (2 Samuel 15:37).
- He likely believed that David was God’s anointed king and Absalom’s rebellion unjust.
- He may have been repaying David for past kindness and friendship.
- As an older man himself, he may have disapproved of Absalom’s disrespect for David.
Lessons from Hushai’s Story
There are several lessons and implications that can be drawn from Hushai’s story:
- God can use people in unexpected ways, like appointing Hushai to counter Ahithophel’s plots against David.
- Wisdom and shrewdness can be used to righteous ends, not only evil ones.
- Faithful friends are invaluable, especially during times of adversity.
- Sin often compounds – Absalom’s rebellion led Ahithophel to treason and eventually suicide.
- God keeps His promises – David’s throne was preserved despite the rebellion.
Hushai’s Unwavering Loyalty
Hushai demonstrated remarkable devotion to David in a time of crisis. He risked his own life by returning to Jerusalem and pretending to turn against David. He did this out of loyalty to God’s chosen king and a desire to counter the wicked plans of Ahithophel. Even when it looked like all was lost for David, Hushai proved faithful. His quick thinking and wise counsel ended up saving David’s life.
Hushai and Ahithophel as Wise Counselors
Both Hushai and Ahithophel were known for giving wise and shrewd advice. However, one used wisdom for righteousness and one for wickedness:
- Ahithophel – His advice was cunning but given with evil motives to betray God’s anointed king. He took his own life when his plots were thwarted.
- Hushai – He used wisdom and shrewd speech to protect David, ultimately foiling the advice of Ahithophel. His counsel exposed the folly of rebellion.
This account shows how wisdom can be used either for good or evil purposes. The heart behind the wisdom makes all the difference.
Hushai’s Courage and Risk
It took great courage for Hushai to return to Jerusalem and pretend to support Absalom. His life was in danger if his true intentions were uncovered. But he was willing to risk everything out of devotion to David. Even when David was at his weakest point, Hushai boldly fulfilled his mission. He stood up to Absalom and cunningly undermined Ahithophel’s scheming. Despite the personal risk, he courageously executed his plan to protect David in his hour of need.
Parallels Between Hushai and Jesus
There are some interesting parallels between Hushai’s story and Jesus:
- Hushai was a faithful friend to David despite David’s flaws and failures. Jesus is a faithful friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).
- Hushai pretended to turn against David as part of a secret plan. Jesus, though innocent, was condemned as a criminal for the secret plan of salvation.
- Hushai was condemned to death if his deception was uncovered. Jesus was condemned to death though He committed no sin.
- Hushai’s risky mission was to save David’s life. Jesus’ risky mission was to bring salvation to sinners who were His enemies.
While not perfect parallels, these similarities help shine light on Jesus’ loyalty, courage, and unwavering devotion to rescue sinners, even at the cost of His own life.
Conclusion
In summary, Hushai was a wise counselor and faithful friend of David who played a pivotal role during Absalom’s rebellion. He used wisdom and cunning to counter Ahithophel’s schemes against David. Hushai demonstrated remarkable loyalty, risking his life to protect God’s anointed king during a dark time of adversity. His story provides lessons on true friendship, the righteous use of wisdom, courage under fire, and devotion to God’s chosen leaders.