Overview
The Bible addresses hushai across 10 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 2 Samuel. Closely related themes include Prudence, Strategy in War, Rending of Garments and Ahithophel. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Hushai, Absalom, David and Abiathar.
Key Bible verses about hushai
Old Testament
2 Samuel
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:
Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me:
But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.
And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.
Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear.
So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.
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
And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?
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.
And again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence.
People in the Bible and hushai
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying hushai for yourself
- Begin with 2 Samuel 15:32, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Consider the lives of Hushai, Absalom and David and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Prudence, Strategy in War, Rending of Garments and Ahithophel.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about hushai?
The Bible addresses hushai across 10 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 2 Samuel. Closely related themes include Prudence, Strategy in War, Rending of Garments and Ahithophel. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Hushai, Absalom, David and Abiathar.
How many Bible verses are about hushai?
The Bible references hushai in 10 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention hushai?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is 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:”
Which people in the Bible are associated with hushai?
Hushai, Absalom, David, Abiathar and Zadok.
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