1 Chronicles 27:33

KJV

And Ahithophel [was] the king's counsellor: and Hushai the Archite [was] the king's companion:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ahithophel {H302} was the king's {H4428} counsellor {H3289}: and Hushai {H2365} the Archite {H757} was the king's {H4428} companion {H7453}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Achitofel was an adviser to the king. Hushai the Archi was the king's confidant;

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

and Ahithophel was the king’s counsellor: and Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:33 succinctly highlights two pivotal figures in King David's administration: Ahithophel, the esteemed royal counselor, and Hushai the Archite, the king's trusted companion. This verse, embedded within a comprehensive catalog of David's governmental and military officials, serves as a concise historical record of their significant roles during the established and organized period of David's reign, subtly setting the stage for their later, dramatically contrasting roles in the unfolding narrative of David's life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Chapter 27 of 1 Chronicles provides an exhaustive and highly organized account of King David's administrative and military structure. Following the detailed listing of the twelve monthly military divisions (verses 1-15) and various tribal leaders (verses 16-22), the chapter transitions to an enumeration of key royal officials responsible for the kingdom's treasury, agriculture, and other vital functions (verses 25-31). Verses 32-34 specifically focus on David's inner circle of personal advisors and close associates, underscoring the critical importance of counsel and companionship in the effective governance of the monarchy. Within this meticulously ordered inventory, 1 Chronicles 27:33 precisely places Ahithophel and Hushai as central figures in David's court, reflecting the Chronicler's emphasis on the stability and well-ordered nature of David's kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David's reign, particularly after the consolidation of his kingdom, was characterized by a sophisticated administrative system, a hallmark of successful ancient Near Eastern monarchies. Kings relied heavily on a network of advisors to manage state affairs, provide strategic counsel, and maintain internal stability. The distinction between a "counselor" (Ahithophel) and a "companion" (Hushai) reflects the nuanced roles within the royal court: the former offered official, strategic advice, often with significant authority, while the latter provided personal support, loyalty, and intimate counsel, acting as a confidant. The mention of "the Archite" for Hushai grounds him geographically, likely referring to a native of Archi, a region near Bethel in Ephraimite territory, indicating his known origin and status within the kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within its broader chapter, contributes to several significant themes. Firstly, it underscores **David's Organized Kingdom**, showcasing the meticulous planning and delegation that characterized his successful reign and the importance of a well-structured government for effective leadership. Secondly, it highlights **The Dual Role of Counsel and Companionship**, distinguishing between strategic advisors and intimate friends, both vital for a king's governance and personal well-being. Finally, for readers familiar with the broader biblical narrative, the mention of Ahithophel and Hushai carries a profound sense of **Foreshadowing of Future Events**. While 1 Chronicles generally presents a more idealized view of David's reign, omitting many of his personal failings and the full extent of Absalom's rebellion, the inclusion of these two names subtly anticipates the dramatic crisis where Ahithophel, famed for his shrewd counsel, would [betray David by joining Absalom](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - Ahithophel's Betrayal"), while Hushai would remain fiercely loyal, acting as a double agent to [thwart Ahithophel's counsel and save David](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - Hushai Thwarts Ahithophel"). This quiet anticipation underscores the theme of God's sovereignty working through human loyalties and betrayals.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Counsellor (Hebrew, _yâʻats'_):** Derived from the primitive root H3289, meaning "to advise," "consult," or "give counsel." This term denotes someone who provides strategic guidance, particularly in matters of state, military, or judicial decisions. Ahithophel was renowned for his exceptional wisdom, so much so that his counsel was considered "as if one had inquired at the oracle of God" ([2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Esteemed Counsel")). His role was one of profound influence and intellectual authority within the kingdom.
* **Companion (Hebrew, _rêaʻ'_):** From H7453, this word signifies an intimate associate, a close friend, or someone with whom one shares a bond of personal trust. Unlike the formal, strategic role of a counselor, a companion implies a relationship built on loyalty, shared experiences, and personal confidence. Hushai's designation as David's companion highlights not just an official position but a deep, personal connection to the king, emphasizing his role as a confidant and trusted ally.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ahithophel [was] the king's counsellor:"**: This clause establishes Ahithophel's official and highly respected position within David's court. He was not merely an advisor but "the king's counsellor," indicating a primary and perhaps unparalleled role in providing strategic and political guidance. His reputation for wisdom made his counsel almost infallible in the eyes of his contemporaries, setting the stage for the dramatic impact of his later defection.
* **"and Hushai the Archite [was] the king's companion:"**: This clause identifies Hushai by name and by his geographical origin ("the Archite"), immediately distinguishing him from Ahithophel by his role. As the "king's companion," Hushai held a position of personal intimacy and trust, suggesting a relationship built on loyalty and friendship rather than purely strategic advice. This personal bond would prove crucial in the time of crisis, highlighting the value of genuine loyalty over mere competence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several subtle yet powerful literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the immediate pairing of Ahithophel and Hushai. By placing these two figures side-by-side, the Chronicler implicitly invites the reader to consider their contrasting natures and fates, especially for those familiar with the fuller narrative in 2 Samuel. This leads to a strong element of **Foreshadowing**. While 1 Chronicles itself does not detail Absalom's rebellion, the mere mention of these two names together serves as a potent reminder of the pivotal, opposing roles they would later play. Ahithophel, the wise counselor who betrays, and Hushai, the loyal companion who thwarts, create a dramatic tension that echoes through the historical record. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony** in Ahithophel's designation. He is introduced as the epitome of wise counsel, yet his ultimate act is one of profound folly and betrayal, leading to his own demise. Conversely, Hushai, the "companion," proves to be the true strategic genius in the moment of crisis, demonstrating that loyalty can be a more powerful force than mere intellectual prowess.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse offers profound theological insights into the nature of leadership, wisdom, and loyalty within God's sovereign plan. It underscores the biblical principle that wise counsel is essential for effective governance and personal well-being, yet it also cautions that even the most brilliant human wisdom can be corrupted by disloyalty or self-interest. The contrasting fates of Ahithophel and Hushai highlight the critical difference between competence and character, reminding us that true wisdom is often rooted in faithfulness to God and to those He has placed in authority. Ultimately, the narrative of these two men, especially as understood through the broader biblical story, serves as a powerful testament to God's ability to overrule human plans, even the most cunning, to accomplish His divine purposes, often through unexpected means or seemingly weaker vessels.

* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Safety in Many Counselors")
* [Proverbs 27:6](/proverbs/27-6 "Proverbs 27:6 - Wounds of a Friend")
* [Psalm 55:12-14](/psalm/55-12-14 "Psalm 55:12-14 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 27:33, though brief, offers enduring lessons for navigating relationships and leadership in our own lives. It compels us to consider the quality of counsel we seek and the nature of the companions we choose. Just as David relied on both strategic advisors and trusted friends, we too need a diverse network of support—those who offer objective wisdom and those who provide unwavering loyalty. This verse challenges us to discern between true wisdom, which aligns with God's will and is coupled with integrity, and mere cleverness that can be easily swayed by personal ambition or disloyalty. It reminds us that while competence is valuable, character and faithfulness are paramount, especially in times of adversity. We are called to be both wise in seeking counsel and steadfast in our own loyalty, recognizing that God often works through our relationships to guide, protect, and fulfill His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you discern between wise counsel and self-serving advice in your life, particularly from those in positions of influence?**
* **What qualities do you prioritize in those you consider close "companions" or trusted advisors, beyond their skills or intelligence?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge you to cultivate both wisdom in your decisions and unwavering loyalty in your relationships, especially when faced with difficult choices?**

### FAQ
**Why does 1 Chronicles mention these two men together, given their later conflict?**

Answer: The Chronicler's primary purpose in 1 Chronicles is to present a positive and idealized account of David's reign, emphasizing the legitimate lineage of the kings of Judah and the proper worship of God. Chapter 27 specifically details the well-ordered and comprehensive administrative structure of David's kingdom. The inclusion of Ahithophel and Hushai in 1 Chronicles 27:33 is a factual record of their prominent and legitimate roles within this established administration *before* the dramatic events of Absalom's rebellion. For the original audience, who would have been familiar with the fuller narrative in 2 Samuel, their joint mention here serves as a subtle, yet powerful, piece of foreshadowing. It highlights the stark contrast between their initial, respected positions and their later, opposing actions, underscoring that even in a divinely sanctioned kingdom, human loyalty can be tested and found wanting, and God's sovereignty can turn even the most cunning counsel into foolishness ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - Hushai's Counsel Thwarts Ahithophel")).

**What is the significance of "the Archite" for Hushai?**

Answer: "The Archite" identifies Hushai's tribal or geographical origin, indicating he was a native of Archi, a region likely located near Bethel, within the territory of Ephraim. This detail is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it grounds Hushai historically and geographically, adding to the veracity and specificity of the Chronicler's record. Unlike Ahithophel, whose fame was tied to his wisdom, Hushai is identified by his place of origin, suggesting he was a known figure from a particular lineage or locality. Secondly, in a culture where tribal and geographical identity were crucial, this designation would have immediately placed Hushai within the social and political landscape of David's kingdom. It underscores that David's court drew its personnel from various parts of Israel, reflecting the king's broad reach and the unified nature of his reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The contrasting figures of Ahithophel and Hushai, representing the epitome of human wisdom corrupted by betrayal versus steadfast loyalty, find their ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person of Jesus Christ. While Ahithophel's counsel was esteemed as divine, it ultimately led to his own destruction through his disloyalty; in stark contrast, Christ is the true [Wonderful Counselor](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Christ, the Wonderful Counselor"), whose wisdom is not merely human but divine, perfect, and eternally faithful. Unlike Ahithophel, whose counsel was turned to foolishness, Jesus' counsel is always true, always leads to life, and can never be thwarted. Furthermore, the dynamic between a "counselor" and a "companion" points to Christ's multifaceted relationship with humanity. He is not only our perfect wisdom and guide, but also our ultimate "companion," who calls us [friends](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Jesus Calls His Disciples Friends"), laying down His life for us. The betrayal David experienced from Ahithophel, a trusted advisor, foreshadows the ultimate betrayal of Christ by Judas, one of His own companions ([Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47-50 "Matthew 26:47-50 - Judas Betrays Jesus")). Yet, unlike David, who relied on Hushai's human loyalty, Christ's victory over betrayal and death was secured by His own divine power and unwavering faithfulness to the Father's counsel. He is the Lamb of God whose ultimate sacrifice, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfills God's eternal counsel for humanity's redemption, establishing a kingdom built on perfect wisdom and absolute, unwavering loyalty.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 15:37

So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 15:12

And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, [even] from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.

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 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.

2 Samuel 16:17

And Absalom said to Hushai, [Is] this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?

Psalms 55:13

But [it was] thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.

2 Samuel 17:23

And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled [his] ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.