2 Samuel 15:37

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

So Hushai {H2365} David's {H1732} friend {H7463} came {H935} into the city {H5892}, and Absalom {H53} came {H935} into Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Hushai David's friend came into the city when Avshalom was about to enter Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

So David’s friend Hushai arrived in Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering the city.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 15:37 marks a pivotal moment in Absalom's rebellion, succinctly describing the simultaneous arrival of two key figures in Jerusalem: Hushai, King David's loyal friend and secret agent, and Absalom, the rebellious prince. This dual entry sets the immediate stage for a strategic battle of wits and counsel that would profoundly influence the trajectory of the revolt, highlighting the intricate interplay of human agency and divine providence in the unfolding drama of David's kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows King David's strategic retreat from Jerusalem in the face of Absalom's rapidly gaining popularity and successful coup. David, demonstrating both his vulnerability as a fleeing king and his shrewd tactical mind, had just dispatched Hushai the Archite back to Jerusalem. David's explicit instruction to Hushai was to feign loyalty to Absalom and, crucially, to "defeat the counsel of Ahithophel" [2 Samuel 15:34](/2_samuel/15-34 "2 Samuel 15:34 - David's Instruction to Hushai"). Thus, Hushai's entry into the city is not a surrender or a simple return, but a calculated, dangerous maneuver in David's counter-strategy, designed to undermine the rebellion from within. Absalom's arrival, conversely, signifies his triumphal seizure of the capital, solidifying his apparent victory and the establishment of his rebellious reign, setting up the direct confrontation of opposing strategies.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem, as the capital and the City of David, held immense symbolic and strategic importance in ancient Israel. Its capture by Absalom signified the perceived legitimacy of his claim to the throne and a significant blow to David's authority. In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the counsel of trusted advisors was paramount; a king's wisdom was often judged by the quality of his counselors. Ahithophel was renowned for his sagacity, his advice being "as if one consulted the oracle of God" [2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Counsel Valued as Divine"). Therefore, the battle for counsel, represented by Hushai's mission to counteract Ahithophel, was not merely a political skirmish but a spiritual and existential struggle for the kingdom itself. The cultural expectation was that a new king would immediately consolidate power and seek wise counsel to legitimize his rule, making the arrival of both Absalom and Hushai in the capital a critical juncture.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the narrative of David's reign and the broader book of Samuel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Strategic Deception and Loyalty**, as Hushai's outward allegiance to Absalom masks his profound, unwavering loyalty to David, illustrating how God can use unconventional means to achieve His purposes. Secondly, it highlights the **Battle for Counsel**, setting the stage for the crucial intellectual and spiritual contest between Ahithophel's shrewd but ultimately destructive advice and Hushai's divinely inspired counter-counsel, which would prove pivotal in the rebellion's defeat [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord Thwarts Ahithophel's Counsel"). Finally, and most profoundly, the verse subtly points to **Divine Sovereignty**. While human actions and strategies are clearly at play, the larger narrative reveals that God is actively orchestrating events behind the scenes to protect His anointed king and preserve the Davidic covenant. Hushai's success is ultimately attributed to the Lord's intervention, turning Ahithophel's wise counsel into foolishness, thereby demonstrating God's ultimate control over human affairs and the destiny of His chosen people [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord Thwarts Ahithophel's Counsel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **David's friend (Hebrew, רֵעַ, _re'a'_):** This term signifies more than a casual acquaintance; it denotes a close, intimate companion, a trusted confidant, or even a beloved associate. The Hebrew word implies a deep personal bond and mutual loyalty. By identifying Hushai as "David's friend," the text emphasizes the profound trust David placed in him for such a perilous and vital mission. It underscores the personal nature of the conflict and the strength of the relationships that sustained David in his darkest hour, contrasting sharply with the familial betrayal he experienced from Absalom.
* **Jerusalem (Hebrew, יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, _Yerushalayim'_):** The capital city, chosen by David as the political and religious center of Israel, symbolizes the heart of the kingdom and the seat of divine authority. Its occupation by Absalom represents the temporary usurpation of power and the disruption of God's established order. The simultaneous entry of Hushai and Absalom into Jerusalem is highly symbolic; it is the stage where the fate of the kingdom, and by extension, the Davidic line, will be decided through a clash of wills and strategies. The city itself becomes a silent witness to the unfolding drama of loyalty, betrayal, and divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Hushai David's friend came into the city":** This clause highlights Hushai's arrival, which is presented as a direct consequence of David's strategic command. The designation "David's friend" immediately informs the reader of Hushai's true allegiance, even as he is about to enter a hostile environment under false pretenses. His entry is discreet and purposeful, a calculated move to infiltrate Absalom's inner circle and execute David's counter-strategy. The phrase "into the city" refers to Jerusalem, emphasizing the critical location where the strategic battle will commence.
* **"and Absalom came into Jerusalem":** This clause describes Absalom's arrival, which stands in stark contrast to Hushai's. Absalom's entry is triumphal, public, and indicative of his successful seizure of the capital. He arrives as the perceived victor, ready to consolidate his power and assume the throne. The explicit mention of "Jerusalem" underscores the significance of his conquest, symbolizing the apparent culmination of his rebellion and the overthrow of David's authority. The conjunction "and" links these two seemingly disparate arrivals, setting up the dramatic tension of their opposing missions within the same space.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its significance. Foremost is **Juxtaposition**, as the simultaneous arrival of Hushai and Absalom in Jerusalem immediately highlights the stark contrast between their intentions and roles. Hushai enters as a loyal agent of the legitimate king, operating in stealth, while Absalom enters as the rebellious usurper, publicly asserting his newfound power. This creates a powerful sense of dramatic **Irony**, as Absalom's apparent triumph is, unbeknownst to him, already being undermined by the very "friend" of his father who has just entered his domain. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, signaling the impending conflict of counsel that will determine the outcome of the rebellion. The presence of both figures in the capital sets the stage for the intellectual and strategic battle that will unfold in subsequent chapters. Finally, **Symbolism** is present in the choice of "Jerusalem" as the setting, representing not just a physical city but the very heart of the kingdom and the destiny of David's lineage, making the dual entry into this sacred space profoundly meaningful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 15:37, though brief, is rich in theological implications, serving as a powerful illustration of God's sovereign hand at work even amidst human rebellion and political chaos. The narrative demonstrates that while human plans and schemes unfold, the Lord remains ultimately in control, orchestrating events to fulfill His divine purposes. Hushai's mission, seemingly a mere human strategy, becomes an instrument of divine intervention, demonstrating God's ability to "turn wise counsel into foolishness" [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord Thwarts Ahithophel's Counsel"). This highlights a consistent biblical theme: God often uses unexpected means and seemingly ordinary individuals to achieve extraordinary ends, protecting His anointed and preserving His covenantal promises. The verse subtly reinforces the idea that true wisdom and ultimate victory come not from human cunning alone, but from alignment with God's will and reliance on His providential care.

* [Proverbs 15:22](/proverbs/15-22 "Proverbs 15:22 - The Value of Counsel")
* [Psalm 3:1-8](/psalms/3 "Psalm 3 - A Psalm of David During Absalom's Rebellion")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The arrival of Hushai and Absalom in Jerusalem, each with a distinct and opposing purpose, offers profound insights into the nature of loyalty, betrayal, and divine providence in our own lives. In moments of personal or communal upheaval, this narrative reminds us that God is not absent, but often works through the quiet, strategic acts of faithful individuals. It challenges us to consider where our true loyalties lie and whether we are willing to act on behalf of what is right, even when it requires personal risk or unconventional methods. The story underscores the invaluable nature of trusted relationships, like that between David and Hushai, which can serve as instruments of God's protection and provision in times of adversity. Ultimately, it encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic and unpredictable, recognizing that His wisdom can thwart the most cunning of human schemes and bring about His intended outcome.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's hidden hand to work through seemingly ordinary circumstances or individuals?**
* **Who are the "Hushais" in your life—those loyal friends or mentors who offer wise counsel and support in difficult times? How do you cultivate such relationships?**
* **How does the narrative of Absalom's rebellion and Hushai's loyalty challenge your understanding of what it means to be faithful in the face of betrayal or adversity?**

### FAQ

**What was Hushai's specific mission in Jerusalem?**

Answer: Hushai's mission, given directly by King David, was twofold: first, to feign loyalty to Absalom and gain his trust, and second, and most critically, to "defeat the counsel of Ahithophel" [2 Samuel 15:34](/2_samuel/15-34 "2 Samuel 15:34 - David's Instruction to Hushai"). Ahithophel was Absalom's chief advisor, renowned for his wise counsel, and David knew that Ahithophel's advice, if followed, could lead to his swift and utter destruction. Hushai was to act as a double agent, providing counter-counsel that would delay Absalom's pursuit of David, thereby giving David time to regroup and prepare for battle. This strategic deception was crucial for David's survival and eventual restoration.

**What was the significance of both Absalom and Hushai entering Jerusalem simultaneously?**

Answer: The simultaneous entry of Absalom and Hushai into Jerusalem is highly significant because it immediately sets the stage for the central conflict of the rebellion: a battle of wits and counsel. Absalom's entry signifies his apparent triumph and the establishment of his rebellious reign in the capital. Hushai's entry, however, represents David's counter-strategy and the infiltration of the rebellion's inner circle. This dual arrival creates dramatic tension, foreshadowing the clash between Ahithophel's shrewd but ultimately thwarted advice and Hushai's divinely inspired counter-counsel. It highlights that while Absalom believed he was consolidating power, the seeds of his downfall were already being sown by a loyal agent of David within his newly acquired domain. The fate of the kingdom would now be determined not just by military might, but by strategic intelligence and divine intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's flight, Absalom's betrayal, and Hushai's strategic loyalty in 2 Samuel 15:37 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. David, though a flawed king, foreshadows the righteous and eternal King, Jesus. Just as David faced betrayal from his own son, Jesus experienced ultimate betrayal from one of His own disciples, Judas Iscariot [Luke 22:48](/luke/22-48 "Luke 22:48 - Jesus Betrayed by a Kiss"). However, unlike David, who fled Jerusalem, Jesus willingly entered Jerusalem, knowing it would lead to His crucifixion, not as a fleeing king but as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Hushai's role as a loyal friend who strategically thwarts the counsel of the enemy points to the divine wisdom of God, which ultimately confounds the schemes of Satan and the wisdom of this world [1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - God's Foolishness is Wiser than Human Wisdom"). God's providential hand, which preserved David's throne and lineage through Hushai's intervention, ultimately ensured the coming of the Messiah. The temporary usurpation of David's throne by Absalom, though chaotic, was ultimately overruled by God's sovereign plan to establish an eternal kingdom through His Son. Christ's kingdom, unlike David's, is not threatened by human rebellion; it is an [everlasting dominion that shall not pass away](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Everlasting Dominion"), secured by His perfect obedience, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection. Thus, 2 Samuel 15:37, with its themes of betrayal, loyalty, and divine intervention, points forward to the greater narrative of God's unwavering faithfulness in establishing His eternal kingdom through the [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), Jesus Christ.

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 16:15

¶ And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.

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.

1 Chronicles 27:33

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