2 Samuel 16:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when Hushai {H2365} the Archite {H757}, David's {H1732} friend {H7463}, was come {H935} unto Absalom {H53}, that Hushai {H2365} said {H559} unto Absalom {H53}, God save {H2421} the king {H4428}, God save {H2421} the king {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hushai the Arki, David's friend, came to Avshalom and said to him, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"

Berean Standard Bible

And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, Long live the king, Long live the king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 16:16 marks a pivotal moment in Absalom's rebellion, detailing the strategic arrival of Hushai the Archite, King David's devoted friend and trusted advisor, into Absalom's court in Jerusalem. This verse captures Hushai's initial, deceptive greeting to Absalom, where he feigns allegiance by repeatedly proclaiming, "God save the king," thereby initiating David's divinely orchestrated plan to undermine Ahithophel's counsel and ultimately thwart Absalom's usurpation of the throne. It sets the stage for a crucial intelligence operation designed to preserve David's legitimate kingship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows David's desperate flight from Jerusalem and his strategic prayer that the Lord would "turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness" ([2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - David's Prayer Against Ahithophel")). Having sent Hushai back to Jerusalem with a specific, dangerous mission to infiltrate Absalom's inner circle and counteract Ahithophel's shrewd advice ([2 Samuel 15:32-37](/2_samuel/15-32-37 "2 Samuel 15:32-37 - David's Instructions to Hushai")), 2 Samuel 16:16 depicts the successful execution of the first part of this plan. Hushai's arrival and his seemingly loyal declaration set the stage for the crucial strategic counsel that unfolds in the subsequent chapters, directly impacting the outcome of the rebellion and demonstrating the unfolding of God's providential hand in the narrative. The tension established by David's vulnerability and his reliance on God's intervention is immediately addressed by Hushai's deceptive entry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The political landscape of ancient Israel, particularly during a dynastic struggle, was fraught with intrigue, shifting loyalties, and the constant threat of betrayal. The title "David's friend" (רֵעֶה דָוִד, _re'eh David_) was a recognized, formal position within the royal court, denoting a highly trusted advisor, often with intimate access to the king, akin to a "king's confidant" or "privy counselor." Such a position made Hushai's apparent defection to Absalom's side particularly convincing and strategically valuable, as his presence would naturally be seen as a significant gain for the usurper. The acclamation "God save the king" (יְחִי הַמֶּלֶךְ, _yechi ha-melech_) was a standard, indeed expected, form of address for a newly proclaimed monarch or one whose authority was being affirmed, signifying allegiance and a wish for a long and prosperous reign. Hushai's use of this phrase, therefore, was culturally appropriate for feigning loyalty to Absalom, who had just entered Jerusalem as the de facto king and was consolidating his power, making his deception highly effective.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative of 2 Samuel 16:16 is deeply interwoven with themes of **loyalty and betrayal**, as Hushai's outward deception serves an ultimate, unwavering loyalty to David, contrasting sharply with Absalom's betrayal of his father and the nation. It powerfully illustrates **divine providence** at work, demonstrating how God answers David's prayer by orchestrating human events and using seemingly ordinary individuals, like Hushai, as instruments of His will, as seen in the Lord's frustration of Ahithophel's counsel in [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord's Frustration of Ahithophel's Counsel"). The passage also highlights the **complexities of political intrigue** and the strategic cunning required in ancient Near Eastern power struggles, where appearances could be deceiving and trust was a precious, often manipulated, commodity. This moment is a pivotal example of how God works through human agency and cunning to achieve His righteous purposes, even amidst the chaos of rebellion and the fragility of human power, ultimately ensuring the preservation of His covenant promises to David, as detailed in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hushai (Hebrew, _Chûwshay'_):** From the root חוּשׁ, meaning "hasty" or "sensible," Hushai (H2365) is identified as "the Archite" (H757), indicating his origin from a place called Arch, likely in the territory of Ephraim. More significantly, he is called "David's friend" (רֵעֶה דָוִד, _rêʻeh Dâvid_), a formal title (H7463 for "friend," H1732 for "David") for a trusted royal advisor or confidant, not merely a personal acquaintance. This title underscores his deep loyalty and strategic importance to David, making his feigned defection to Absalom's side all the more convincing and pivotal to the narrative. His role is not just that of a loyal individual, but a key player in David's counter-strategy, risking his life and reputation for the sake of his king.
* **save (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** This primitive root (H2421) means "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive." It encompasses concepts like keeping alive, giving life, preserving, quickening, recovering, repairing, restoring to life, and even God's act of saving. In the phrase "God save the king" (יְחִי הַמֶּלֶךְ, _yechi ha-melech_), the verb is in the jussive form, expressing a wish or command: "May the king live!" or "Long live the king!" Hushai's repetition of this phrase ("God save the king, God save the king") serves to emphasize his feigned enthusiasm and loyalty, designed to immediately win Absalom's trust and dispel any suspicion about his true intentions. The profound irony lies in the fact that while he outwardly proclaims allegiance to Absalom, his true prayer and deepest desire are for the preservation and restoration of David's legitimate kingship.
* **king (Hebrew, _melek'_):** Derived from the root מָלַךְ (H4428), meaning "to reign," this word refers to a monarch or sovereign ruler. In this context, Hushai's use of "the king" is deliberately ambiguous. While Absalom understands it to refer to himself as the newly acclaimed ruler in Jerusalem, Hushai's true allegiance is to David, the legitimate, divinely appointed king. This dual meaning, understood by the reader but not by Absalom, is central to the dramatic irony of the passage and highlights the strategic cunning of Hushai's mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom":** This opening clause establishes the critical moment of Hushai's arrival in Jerusalem and his direct confrontation with Absalom. The immediate identification of Hushai as "David's friend" alerts the reader to the underlying tension and strategic deception, as Hushai's presence in Absalom's camp is not what it appears to be. This arrival is the direct fulfillment of David's instruction in [2 Samuel 15:34](/2_samuel/15-34 "2 Samuel 15:34 - David's Command to Hushai"), setting the stage for the unraveling of Absalom's plans through divine orchestration.
* **"that Hushai said unto Absalom":** This introduces Hushai's verbal declaration, which is the immediate action taken to establish his deceptive persona. The direct speech emphasizes the performative nature of his loyalty, a calculated act designed to gain entry and trust within Absalom's inner circle and position himself to undermine the usurper.
* **"God save the king, God save the king":** This repeated acclamation is the core of Hushai's strategic deception. While outwardly a fervent declaration of loyalty to Absalom, it is profoundly laden with **dramatic irony**. The reader knows Hushai's true allegiance remains with David, the legitimate king. The repetition intensifies the feigned enthusiasm, aiming to convince Absalom of his genuine support and to mask his true objective. This phrase, traditionally used to affirm a legitimate monarch, is here employed to subvert the usurper, highlighting the moral ambiguity and strategic necessity of the situation within the broader context of divine providence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Irony**, particularly **dramatic irony**. The reader is privy to Hushai's true mission and unwavering loyalty to David, making his fervent declaration of "God save the king" to Absalom deeply ironic. Absalom, unaware of Hushai's true intentions, accepts this acclamation at face value, setting the stage for his eventual downfall. The **Repetition** of "God save the king" (יְחִי הַמֶּלֶךְ, _yechi ha-melech_) serves to emphasize Hushai's feigned enthusiasm and commitment, but also subtly underscores the true object of his loyalty—the legitimate king, David, whose life and reign Hushai genuinely desires to "save" and preserve. This repetition also adds a performative quality to Hushai's actions, highlighting his role as a double agent. Furthermore, the verse employs **Foreshadowing**, as Hushai's successful infiltration hints at the future frustration of Absalom's plans and the eventual triumph of David, a direct answer to David's prayer in [2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - David's Prayer Against Ahithophel"). This intricate use of literary devices elevates the narrative beyond a mere historical account, inviting the reader into the complex moral and theological dimensions of the unfolding drama.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in 2 Samuel 16:16 powerfully illustrates the theme of divine sovereignty working through human agency, even amidst political turmoil and moral complexities. David's desperate prayer for God to frustrate Ahithophel's counsel is answered not by direct miraculous intervention, but through the strategic faithfulness of Hushai. This highlights God's ability to use human cunning, loyalty, and even calculated deception within a larger divine plan to achieve His purposes and protect His anointed. It underscores that God's hand is not limited to overt miracles but can subtly guide and orchestrate human events, turning the wisdom of the world into foolishness to accomplish His will and uphold His covenant promises. This narrative serves as a profound reminder that God's ways are higher than our ways, and He often works through the unexpected and the seemingly ordinary to bring about His extraordinary plans.

* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of the Nations")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Foolish to Shame the Wise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hushai's unwavering loyalty to David, even to the point of risking his own life and reputation through calculated deception, offers a profound challenge and example for believers. In a world often characterized by shifting allegiances and self-interest, Hushai's commitment to his king, whom he believed to be God's anointed, stands out. His actions remind us that faithfulness to a higher calling or a legitimate authority may sometimes require difficult, counter-intuitive, or even morally ambiguous choices within a broader context of divine purpose. While we are called to truthfulness and integrity, this narrative prompts us to consider the complexities of loyalty, the nature of spiritual warfare, and how God can work through unconventional means. It encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when the path forward seems unclear or requires us to step outside our comfort zones, knowing that He can turn the counsel of the wicked into foolishness and bring about His desired outcome, ultimately for His glory and the good of His people. This passage calls us to discern God's hand in the intricate tapestry of life, even in moments of chaos and uncertainty, and to remain steadfast in our devotion to His righteous kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Hushai's loyalty to David, despite the personal risks and moral complexities, challenge your understanding of faithfulness in difficult circumstances?**
* **In what situations might it be permissible, or even necessary, to employ strategic wisdom that appears deceptive for a greater, righteous purpose, and what are the ethical boundaries you would consider in such scenarios?**
* **In what ways have you seen God work through unexpected or seemingly ordinary means to accomplish His purposes in your own life or in the world around you, even when the path was unclear?**

### FAQ
**Was Hushai's deception morally justifiable given his loyalty to David and God's apparent use of him?**

Answer: This is a complex ethical question often debated among scholars. From a purely human perspective, deception is generally condemned in scripture (e.g., [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are an Abomination to the Lord")). However, the biblical narrative often presents instances where God uses morally ambiguous actions within a larger redemptive or providential framework. In Hushai's case, his deception was not for personal gain or malicious intent, but was an act of profound loyalty to God's anointed king, David, and was explicitly part of a divine strategy to thwart Absalom's wicked rebellion, which threatened the very lineage through which the Messiah would come. David's prayer in [2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - David's Prayer Against Ahithophel") and the subsequent statement that "the Lord had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel" ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord's Frustration of Ahithophel's Counsel")) strongly suggest that God not only permitted but actively utilized Hushai's strategy. While not endorsing deception as a general principle, this narrative highlights God's sovereignty in using imperfect human agents and complex situations to achieve His righteous purposes, often in ways that transcend simplistic moral binaries and demonstrate His ultimate control over all events and His commitment to His covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hushai's role as "David's friend" who subtly undermines the enemy's counsel and saves the king's throne provides a rich, albeit indirect, foreshadowing of Christ. Just as Hushai, through strategic wisdom and self-sacrificial loyalty, worked to preserve David's kingdom against a usurper, so Jesus Christ, the ultimate "friend" of humanity ([John 15:13-15](/john/15-13-15 "John 15:13-15 - Jesus Calls His Disciples Friends")), entered the world to reclaim His rightful kingship from the usurper, Satan, and the dominion of sin. Christ's "deception" was not of falsehood but of profound humility and self-emptying, appearing as a servant ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation")) to defeat the wisdom of this world and the schemes of the enemy through the "foolishness" of the cross ([1 Corinthians 1:18-25](/1_corinthians/1-18-25 "1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - The Foolishness of the Cross")). He became the ultimate wise counselor, whose "counsel" (His life, death, and resurrection) utterly defeats the strategies of sin and death, establishing an eternal kingdom that cannot be overthrown ([Hebrews 1:8](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - Christ's Eternal Throne")). Hushai's feigned "God save the king" for Absalom finds its true echo in the universal acclamation of "King of kings and Lord of lords" that is due to Jesus, the Lamb who was slain and now reigns forevermore ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), the one whose life and reign truly save His people from sin and death, bringing them into His glorious and everlasting kingdom.

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

1 Samuel 10:24

And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that [there is] none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.

2 Kings 11:12

And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and [gave him] the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.

1 Kings 1:25

For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king's sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and, behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah.

1 Kings 1:34

And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.

2 Samuel 15:37

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

Daniel 2:4

Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.

Daniel 5:10

¶ [Now] the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: [and] the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed: