Hushai
maleUnited MonarchyMeaning: “Quick; hasting”
David’s loyal friend who, at the king’s request, infiltrated Absalom’s court and overturned Ahithophel’s deadly counsel, saving David’s life.
Biography
Hushai the Archite was "David's friend" — a loyal counselor who played the decisive role in defeating Absalom's rebellion. As David fled Jerusalem, Hushai wished to come with him, but David sent him back into the city to serve as a double agent: "if thou return to the city... then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel" (2 Samuel 15:34).
Defeating Ahithophel
Gaining Absalom's confidence, Hushai countered Ahithophel's sound advice with a plausible alternative that bought David precious time. "The LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom" (2 Samuel 17:14). Hushai secretly relayed Absalom's plans to David, enabling the king to escape across the Jordan and ultimately prevail. His loyalty and courage saved the throne.
Life Timeline
Overturns Ahithophel's counsel and saves David
On the Bible timeline
Hushai belongs to the The United Monarchy era (c. 1050 – 930 BC).
- c. 1010 – 970 BCDavid's Reign
- c. 966 BCSolomon's Temple Built
- c. 930 BCThe Kingdom Divides
Themes & lessons from Hushai
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Hushai appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
13 verses in 3 books2 Samuel11 verses
2 Samuel 15:32
And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:
2 Samuel 15:37
So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.
2 Samuel 16:16
And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king. God: Heb. Let the king live
2 Samuel 16:17
And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?
2 Samuel 16:18
And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.
2 Samuel 17:5
Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith. what: Heb. what is in his mouth
2 Samuel 17:6
And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou. his saying: Heb. his word
2 Samuel 17:7
And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time. given: Heb. counselled
2 Samuel 17:8
For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. chafed: Heb. bitter of soul
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 appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom. appointed: Heb. commanded
2 Samuel 17:15
Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.
1 Kings1 verse
1 Kings 4:16
Baanah the son of Hushai was in Asher and in Aloth:
1 Chronicles1 verse
1 Chronicles 27:33
And Ahithophel was the king's counsellor: and Hushai the Archite was the king's companion:
Frequently asked about Hushai
Who was Hushai in the Bible?
David’s loyal friend who, at the king’s request, infiltrated Absalom’s court and overturned Ahithophel’s deadly counsel, saving David’s life.
What does the name Hushai mean?
The name Hushai means “Quick; hasting”.
What did Hushai do in the Bible?
Hushai served as david's counsellor.
Where does Hushai appear in the Bible?
Hushai is mentioned 13 times across 3 books: 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 1 Chronicles.
What can we learn from Hushai?
The story of Hushai touches on themes of ahithophel, council, spies, war — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Hushai's life.
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