2 Samuel 16:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hushai {H2365} said {H559} unto Absalom {H53}, Nay; but whom the LORD {H3068}, and this people {H5971}, and all the men {H376} of Israel {H3478}, choose {H977}, his will I be, and with him will I abide {H3427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hushai replied, "No, but whomever ADONAI and this people and all the men of Isra'el choose, his I will be; and with him I will stay.

Berean Standard Bible

“Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by the people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain.

American Standard Version

And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom Jehovah, and this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I be, and with him will I abide.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 16:18 records Hushai the Archite's masterful act of deceptive loyalty to Absalom during his rebellion against King David. This pivotal moment showcases Hushai's cunning as he feigns allegiance to the usurper, declaring his commitment to "whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose," while secretly intending to undermine Absalom's plans and protect the legitimate reign of David, God's anointed king. His strategically ambiguous words were crucial in setting the stage for the frustration of Ahithophel's counsel and the eventual collapse of Absalom's revolt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion, immediately after King David has fled Jerusalem in haste to escape his son's popular uprising, as described in [2 Samuel 15:14](/2_samuel/15-14 "2 Samuel 15:14 - David's Flight from Jerusalem"). David, demonstrating remarkable foresight and strategic acumen even in despair, had specifically instructed his loyal counselor Hushai to return to Jerusalem. Hushai's mission was to infiltrate Absalom's inner circle and, most importantly, to counteract the dangerous and shrewd advice of Ahithophel, who had defected from David's side to join Absalom ([2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - Ahithophel Joins Absalom") and [2 Samuel 15:34](/2_samuel/15-34 "2 Samuel 15:34 - David Instructs Hushai")). Absalom, upon seeing Hushai, questions his presence, given Hushai's long-standing and well-known loyalty to David. Hushai's reply in 2 Samuel 16:18 is a carefully crafted response, designed to gain Absalom's trust and position himself to execute David's counter-strategy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of kingship in ancient Israel was complex, often involving both divine election and popular acclamation. Kings like Saul and David were anointed by God's prophet, signifying divine choice, but their rule also required the acceptance and support of the people. Absalom's rebellion, meticulously detailed in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion Begins"), capitalized on popular discontent and Absalom's charismatic appeal, effectively stealing the hearts of the men of Israel ([2 Samuel 15:6](/2_samuel/15-6 "2 Samuel 15:6 - Absalom Steals the Hearts of Israel")). In this context, a counselor's loyalty was paramount, and defection was seen as a grave act of treachery. Hushai's statement, "whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose," cleverly taps into this dual understanding of legitimate rule. He frames his loyalty in terms that Absalom, who had successfully garnered popular support, would find appealing and validating, while subtly referencing the divine element that Absalom himself claimed (e.g., through his pretense of fulfilling a vow to the LORD in Hebron, [2 Samuel 15:7-9](/2_samuel/15-7 "2 Samuel 15:7-9 - Absalom's Vow in Hebron")).

* **Key Themes:** 2 Samuel 16:18 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 2 Samuel. Firstly, it highlights **strategic deception** as a tool in political and military maneuvering, showcasing Hushai's calculated act of feigned loyalty not for personal gain, but for the preservation of David's legitimate kingship and, by extension, God's anointed. Secondly, the narrative underscores the profound interplay between **divine sovereignty and human agency**. While Hushai employs human cunning and political astuteness, the broader unfolding of events reveals that God is actively orchestrating circumstances to fulfill His purposes, ultimately frustrating the counsel of Ahithophel and securing David's return ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")). This demonstrates that even in the midst of human treachery and intricate schemes, God remains sovereign. Finally, the verse speaks to the **legitimacy of kingship**, subtly reaffirming that true rule in Israel involved both divine election and popular consent, a standard Absalom sought to usurp but ultimately failed to secure in God's eyes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Choose (Hebrew, בָּחַר, _bachar_):** This verb signifies selection, election, or preference. In the context of Israelite monarchy, it carries profound theological weight, as kings were understood to be "chosen" by God (e.g., [1 Samuel 16:12](/1_samuel/16-12 "1 Samuel 16:12 - Samuel Anoints David") regarding David). Hushai's use of "whom the LORD... choose" is a brilliant rhetorical move. It allows him to appear principled and aligned with divine will, while simultaneously acknowledging Absalom's perceived popular legitimacy. For Absalom, it validates his ascent; for Hushai, it is a veiled reference to God's true choice, David.
* **Abide (Hebrew, אֶשְׁכֹּן, _'eshkon'_):** Derived from the root יָשַׁב (_yashav_), meaning "to sit, dwell, remain, inhabit." In this context, "abide" conveys a sense of enduring loyalty, steadfast presence, and commitment to serve. Hushai's declaration "with him will I abide" promises a lasting allegiance, which is precisely what Absalom needs from a seasoned counselor like Hushai. The irony lies in the fact that Hushai intends to "abide" only long enough to dismantle Absalom's plans.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay;":** This initial word, "Nay," is crucial. It directly refutes Absalom's implicit accusation or question about Hushai's continued loyalty to David. It's a clear, unequivocal denial of his previous allegiance, setting the stage for his feigned commitment to Absalom. This sharp rejection is designed to immediately disarm Absalom's suspicion.
* **"but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose,":** This is the heart of Hushai's deceptive brilliance. By invoking "the LORD," he appeals to divine authority, which Absalom himself would claim to possess or desire. By adding "this people, and all the men of Israel," he acknowledges the popular acclamation that Absalom had successfully garnered ([2 Samuel 15:6](/2_samuel/15-6 "2 Samuel 15:6 - Absalom Steals the Hearts of Israel")). This tripartite declaration of choice—divine, popular, and national—is a powerful statement of legitimacy that Absalom would find irresistible and validating for his own usurpation.
* **"his will I be, and with him will I abide.":** This is Hushai's declaration of allegiance. It's a promise of service and steadfast presence. The phrase "his will I be" signifies complete submission and dedication, while "with him will I abide" promises continued presence and support. To Absalom, these words signify loyalty to himself; to the reader, knowing Hushai's true mission from David, they are a profound example of strategic ambiguity and double meaning.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Samuel 16:18 is **Irony**, specifically **Dramatic Irony**. The audience is aware of Hushai's true intentions and his secret mission from David ([2 Samuel 15:32-37](/2_samuel/15-32 "2 Samuel 15:32-37 - David Sends Hushai Back")), while Absalom remains oblivious, taking Hushai's words at face value. This creates a tension between what is said and what is truly meant, highlighting Hushai's cunning and the precariousness of Absalom's position. Closely related is **Double Entendre** or **Ambiguity**, as Hushai's words are carefully chosen to have one meaning for Absalom (loyalty to him) and another, deeper meaning for the informed reader (loyalty to the divinely chosen king, David). The phrase "whom the LORD... choose" is particularly rich in this ambiguity. Furthermore, the passage employs **Characterization**, vividly portraying Hushai as a shrewd, loyal, and resourceful individual, willing to undertake a dangerous mission for his king. This strategic deception also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the eventual frustration of Absalom's plans and the ultimate triumph of David, orchestrated by divine providence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hushai's deceptive loyalty in 2 Samuel 16:18 serves as a powerful illustration of God's sovereign hand at work, even in the midst of human chaos, rebellion, and intricate political maneuvering. While Hushai's actions involve a calculated deception, the broader biblical narrative consistently demonstrates that God can use unexpected means and even morally ambiguous human choices to achieve His righteous purposes. This episode underscores the theme that "the counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations" ([Psalm 33:11](/psalms/33-11 "Psalm 33:11 - The Counsel of the Lord Stands Forever")). It reveals that God's ultimate plan for His anointed king, David, would prevail despite the formidable threat posed by Absalom and his astute counselor, Ahithophel. The narrative implicitly teaches that true legitimacy in leadership ultimately derives from God's appointment and blessing, not merely from popular acclaim or human cunning.

* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Psalm 76:10](/psalms/76-10 "Psalm 76:10 - The Wrath of Man Praises God")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hushai's story in 2 Samuel 16:18 offers a complex tapestry for reflection. While his deception is ethically challenging, the narrative invites us to consider the broader context of divine sovereignty. In times of great turmoil, when legitimate authority is challenged and chaos seems to reign, this verse reminds us that God is actively working behind the scenes, often through unexpected and even humanly flawed means, to bring about His purposes. It challenges us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem overwhelmingly against us or when human schemes appear to prevail. It also prompts us to discern true leadership—leadership that is ultimately aligned with God's will and the welfare of His people, rather than merely popular appeal or self-interest. While we are called to truthfulness, this unique historical moment, divinely orchestrated, highlights God's ability to use all things, including the "wisdom of the world" that is foolishness to Him, to accomplish His divine will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Hushai's strategic deception challenge or affirm your understanding of ethical behavior within a biblical framework?**
* **In what ways can we discern God's sovereign hand at work in difficult or chaotic situations in our own lives or in the world today?**
* **What does this narrative teach us about the nature of true leadership, especially in contrast to leadership driven by ambition or popular opinion alone?**
* **How might we, like Hushai, be called to act wisely and strategically for God's kingdom, even when the path is not straightforward?**

### FAQ
**Was Hushai's deception morally justifiable from a biblical perspective?**

Answer: The Bible often presents narratives without explicitly endorsing every action within them, allowing the reader to observe God's overarching plan. While deception is generally condemned in Scripture (e.g., [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips Are an Abomination")), Hushai's case is a complex one. His deception was not for personal gain or malicious intent, but was a strategic act of loyalty to God's anointed king, David, and implicitly, to God's established order. The narrative strongly implies divine approval, as the Lord Himself "frustrated the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom" ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")). This suggests that God, in His sovereignty, can use even human actions that might otherwise be questionable to achieve His righteous purposes, particularly in the context of preserving His chosen lineage and kingdom. It's a unique instance where a "lesser evil" (deception) serves a greater good (preserving the divinely appointed king and preventing civil war's full devastation).

**How did Hushai's counsel ultimately help David and lead to Absalom's downfall?**

Answer: Hushai's deceptive counsel was instrumental in David's survival and Absalom's defeat. After gaining Absalom's trust, Hushai successfully countered Ahithophel's initial, sound advice to immediately pursue David with a swift, decisive strike ([2 Samuel 17:1-3](/2_samuel/17-1 "2 Samuel 17:1-3 - Ahithophel's Counsel to Pursue David")). Hushai instead proposed a more elaborate, time-consuming plan involving gathering a massive army from all Israel, with Absalom leading it personally ([2 Samuel 17:7-13](/2_samuel/17-7 "2 Samuel 17:7-13 - Hushai's Counsel to Absalom")). Crucially, Absalom and the elders of Israel preferred Hushai's counsel, because "the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom" ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")). This delay allowed David precious time to cross the Jordan River, regroup his forces, and prepare for battle, ultimately leading to Absalom's decisive defeat and death ([2 Samuel 18:6-15](/2_samuel/18-6 "2 Samuel 18:6-15 - Absalom's Defeat and Death")). Ahithophel, recognizing the fatal error and the divine hand against his counsel, went home and hanged himself ([2 Samuel 17:23](/2_samuel/17-23 "2 Samuel 17:23 - Ahithophel's Suicide")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hushai's cunning loyalty to David, the anointed king, foreshadows the ultimate divine wisdom at work in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Hushai strategically positioned himself within the enemy's camp, appearing to serve Absalom while secretly working for David's restoration, so too did God's plan for salvation involve a seemingly paradoxical path. The wisdom of God, manifested in Christ's humble incarnation, suffering, and death on the cross, appeared as foolishness to the world ([1 Corinthians 1:18-25](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - The Message of the Cross is Foolishness to Those Who are Perishing")). Yet, through this "foolishness," God utterly defeated the true enemy, Satan, and secured the eternal reign of His Son. Jesus is the ultimate "chosen" one, not merely by popular acclamation, but by divine decree and eternal purpose ([John 1:34](/john/1-34 "John 1:34 - John Testifies to Jesus as the Son of God"), [John 6:69](/john/6-69 "John 6:69 - Peter's Confession of Jesus as the Holy One of God")). Our loyalty, like Hushai's, is ultimately due to the true King, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), yet will ultimately prevail over all earthly rebellions and schemes ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). In Christ, God's perfect wisdom and sovereignty are fully revealed, ensuring the triumph of His eternal kingdom over all opposition.

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.