2 Samuel 15:33

In 2 Samuel 15:33, King David is in the midst of a desperate flight from Jerusalem, fleeing the rebellion instigated by his own son, Absalom. This specific verse captures a pivotal moment in David's strategic response to the crisis.

Context

The "whom" David addresses here is Hushai the Archite, a loyal and trusted friend and counselor. As David and his loyalists are leaving Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:14), Hushai comes to meet him, expressing a desire to accompany David in his exile. However, David, with profound strategic insight, recognizes that Hushai's presence with him would be a "burden" in a time of swift movement and guerrilla warfare. Instead, David sees a more crucial role for Hushai back in Jerusalem.

Key Themes

• Strategic Wisdom: David demonstrates remarkable foresight and cunning, even in distress. He prioritizes the long-term success of his kingdom over immediate personal comfort or companionship during Absalom's rebellion.
• Loyalty and Sacrifice: Hushai's willingness to follow David exemplifies deep loyalty, but David asks him to make an even greater sacrifice: to return to a dangerous situation and serve as a double agent for the king.
• Divine Providence: David's instruction to Hushai is not merely human strategy; it is explicitly tied to his belief that God will use Hushai to "defeat the counsel of Ahithophel" (2 Samuel 15:31), Absalom's chief and very shrewd counselor.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "shalt be a burden unto me" translates the Hebrew word mas'a (מַשָּׂא), which literally means "a load," "a burden," or "a carrying." In this context, it implies that Hushai's presence would be a hindrance or an impediment to David's immediate need for mobility and discretion during his flight. It's not a dismissal of Hushai's worth, but a pragmatic assessment of the tactical disadvantage of having a non-combatant or someone not suited for the rigors of flight in their immediate entourage.

Strategic Importance

This verse is crucial because it sets in motion one of the most effective counter-intelligence operations in the Old Testament. David's decision to send Hushai back to Jerusalem directly leads to the foiling of Ahithophel's deadly counsel, particularly his advice to Absalom to immediately pursue David (2 Samuel 17:1). Hushai's counter-counsel, though seemingly less aggressive, bought David precious time to escape and regroup, ultimately leading to Absalom's defeat and the restoration of David's throne.

Practical Application

This passage teaches us about leadership, loyalty, and the importance of strategic thinking, even in difficult times. Sometimes, the most loving or loyal act is to send someone into a different, perhaps dangerous, role for the greater good. It reminds us that God often works through human ingenuity and the faithful actions of His servants to accomplish His purposes, turning what seems like a setback into an opportunity for divine intervention and ultimate victory.