2 Samuel 17:5

KJV

Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} Absalom {H53}, Call {H7121} now Hushai {H2365} the Archite {H757} also, and let us hear {H8085} likewise what he saith {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Avshalom said, "Now call also Hushai the Arki, and let's give equal hearing to what he has to say."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Absalom said, “Summon Hushai the Archite as well, and let us hear what he too has to say.”

American Standard Version

Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 17:5 marks a pivotal moment in Absalom's rebellion against King David. Having just received the highly strategic and universally acclaimed counsel of Ahithophel, Absalom, perhaps seeking comprehensive validation or unknowingly guided by divine providence, makes the critical decision to solicit an additional opinion from Hushai the Archite, David's loyal friend secretly operating as a double agent. This seemingly cautious move by Absalom inadvertently creates the precise opportunity for God to intervene directly, frustrating Ahithophel's shrewd plan and ultimately safeguarding David's life and preserving his kingship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the presentation of Ahithophel's counsel to Absalom in [2 Samuel 17:1-4](/2_samuel/17-1-4 "2 Samuel 17:1-4 - Ahithophel's Strategic Counsel"). Ahithophel's advice was to pursue David with a swift, decisive force, striking him while he was weary and vulnerable, a plan so astute it was likened to "consulting the oracle of God" ([2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Esteemed Wisdom")). Had Absalom acted on this counsel, David's defeat would have been virtually assured. However, Absalom's unexpected decision to call for Hushai introduces a crucial variable, serving as a direct answer to David's desperate prayer that God would "turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness" ([2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - David's Prayer for Divine Intervention")). Hushai, strategically placed by David to infiltrate Absalom's inner circle, is now given the providential opportunity to offer counter-counsel, setting the stage for a dramatic conflict of wisdoms that will determine the fate of the kingdom and the outcome of the rebellion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, particularly within monarchical systems, the role of trusted advisors was paramount, especially during periods of political instability or rebellion. Kings and aspiring rulers heavily relied on counsel for strategic decisions concerning warfare, governance, and the maintenance of power. The practice of seeking multiple opinions was not uncommon, though it could sometimes signal indecisiveness or a desire to confirm a pre-existing inclination. Hushai's designation as "the Archite" identifies him as a native of Archi, a place located in the territory of Ephraim ([Joshua 16:2](/joshua/16-2 "Joshua 16:2 - Border of Ephraim")). This detail is significant as it grounds Hushai's identity within a specific tribal and geographical context, underscoring his established connection and loyalty to David, who, despite being from Judah, commanded broad support across the Israelite tribes. The rebellion itself represented a profound challenge to the established order, fueled by Absalom's ambition and exploiting David's recent moral failings, creating a volatile environment where wise and timely counsel was indispensable for survival.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to the broader narrative of [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel - The Reign of King David"). Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**. Unbeknownst to Absalom, God is actively orchestrating events behind the scenes. Hushai was strategically placed by David, a direct answer to David's heartfelt prayer in [2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - David's Prayer against Ahithophel"), and this verse marks the precise moment when God's plan begins to unfold through Hushai's access to Absalom's council. The narrative explicitly states that "[the Lord had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")" through Hushai. Secondly, the theme of **The Nature of Counsel** is prominent. While seeking multiple advisors can lead to well-rounded decisions, as seen in Absalom's choice here, it can also open the door to conflicting advice and, in this case, divine intervention that exposes human wisdom as folly. Absalom's choice to seek a second opinion, despite the renowned wisdom of Ahithophel, proves to be his undoing. Finally, the theme of **Strategic Deception** is evident in Hushai's role as a loyal agent for David, feigning allegiance to Absalom. This underscores the cunning and often morally complex tactics employed in ancient warfare and political maneuvering, yet here, it is employed by God for His redemptive purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Absalom (Hebrew, _ʼĂbîyshâlôwm'_):** Meaning "father of peace," Absalom's name stands in stark contrast to his actions as a rebellious, ambitious son seeking to usurp his father's throne. In this verse, he is depicted as consolidating his newly seized power in Jerusalem. His decision to call Hushai reveals either a desire for comprehensive strategic input or, more likely, a susceptibility to flattery and a lack of decisive leadership, which ultimately proves to be a fatal flaw in his rebellion.
* **Hushai (Hebrew, _Chûwshay'_):** Identified as "the Archite," Hushai is David's loyal friend and trusted confidant. His presence in Absalom's camp is a direct result of David's strategic foresight and desperate prayer. Hushai embodies the theme of loyal devotion and wise, strategic action, acting as a crucial instrument in God's overarching plan to thwart Absalom's coup and preserve David's kingship.
* **Archite (Hebrew, _ʼArkîy'_):** This geographical and tribal identifier links Hushai to Archi, a place situated in the territory of Ephraim. While seemingly a minor detail, it grounds Hushai's identity and loyalty within the broader tribal structure of Israel, emphasizing his established connection to David's kingdom and perhaps his influence beyond merely a personal friendship, making his counsel potentially more appealing to Absalom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Absalom":** This opening phrase establishes Absalom's authority as the new, albeit illegitimate, king in Jerusalem. It signifies his active role in decision-making, demonstrating that he is not merely a passive recipient of counsel but is initiating the next crucial step in his strategic planning. His words carry the weight of command within his newly seized, yet precarious, kingdom.
* **"Call now Hushai the Archite also":** This is the pivotal command that sets the divine plan in motion. The crucial word "also" indicates that Absalom is seeking an additional opinion after having already heard and seemingly approved Ahithophel's counsel. It introduces the element of a second, potentially conflicting, voice into the strategic discussion. The specific naming of "Hushai the Archite" highlights his known identity and perhaps his reputation for wisdom or loyalty, which Absalom mistakenly believes is now directed towards him.
* **"and let us hear likewise what he saith":** This clause expresses Absalom's intent to compare and contrast the counsel of Hushai with that of Ahithophel. It suggests a desire for comprehensive input before making a final decision regarding the pursuit of David. While seemingly prudent, this openness to a second opinion, divinely orchestrated, provides the precise opportunity for Hushai to present his deceptive, yet ultimately kingdom-preserving, counter-counsel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse prominently employs **Dramatic Irony**, a key literary device woven throughout this narrative segment. Absalom, in his ambition and perceived control, calls for Hushai, fully believing him to be a loyal advisor committed to his cause. The audience, however, is privy to the truth: Hushai is David's loyal spy, sent specifically to thwart Ahithophel's counsel ([2 Samuel 15:34](/2_samuel/15-34 "2 Samuel 15:34 - David Instructs Hushai")). This creates a profound tension where Absalom's seemingly wise decision to seek multiple opinions is, in fact, the very mechanism through which God's plan to save David will unfold. Furthermore, the verse serves as significant **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation of counsel in the subsequent verses ([2 Samuel 17:6-14](/2_samuel/17-6-14 "2 Samuel 17:6-14 - Hushai's Counter-Counsel")). It points to the imminent frustration of Ahithophel's "good" counsel and the ultimate preservation of David's throne, all orchestrated by divine providence. The **Juxtaposition** of Ahithophel's immediate, decisive advice with Absalom's decision to seek a second, delaying opinion creates the necessary space for God's intervention, allowing Hushai's counter-plan to take root.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple request for a second opinion is profoundly significant, serving as a powerful illustration of God's sovereign hand at work in human affairs, even amidst chaos and rebellion. It demonstrates that while human plans and wisdom may seem formidable, God can effortlessly manipulate circumstances, even the seemingly mundane act of calling for an additional advisor, to achieve His divine purposes. Absalom's pride and perceived thoroughness unwittingly become the very means by which God thwarts his rebellion, highlighting the principle that God's wisdom far surpasses human cunning. This narrative reminds us that God is not merely an observer but an active participant in history, orchestrating events to fulfill His promises and protect His chosen ones, often through unexpected and seemingly insignificant means.

* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Prevails")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Our Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Absalom seeking counsel from Hushai offers timeless lessons for believers today. It underscores the critical importance of discerning counsel, recognizing that not all advice, even from seemingly wise or respected sources, aligns with God's will or serves His ultimate purposes. We are called to test all counsel against the unchanging truth of God's Word and to seek the wisdom that comes from above, which is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy ([James 3:17](/james/3-17 "James 3:17 - Wisdom from Above")). Furthermore, this passage provides immense comfort and reassurance regarding God's unwavering sovereignty. Even in our most challenging circumstances, when human plans seem to unravel or when we face formidable opposition, God remains in control. He can use unexpected individuals, seemingly insignificant decisions, and even the schemes of our adversaries to accomplish His perfect will and protect His people. Our trust should ultimately rest not in the wisdom of human advisors, but in the unfailing providence of our all-wise God, who works all things for the good of those who love Him ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Our Good")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically discern advice I receive, especially when facing significant decisions, ensuring it aligns with God's will?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to trust more fully in God's unseen hand of providence, even when circumstances seem chaotic or contrary to my desires?**
* **Can I identify instances where God has used unexpected people or seemingly minor events to guide or protect me, similar to Hushai's role?**
* **How does the narrative of God thwarting Absalom's plans encourage me to pray for divine intervention in difficult situations, trusting in His ultimate control?**

### FAQ
**Why did Absalom seek a second opinion after Ahithophel's highly esteemed counsel?**

Answer: Absalom's decision to seek a second opinion from Hushai, despite Ahithophel's renowned wisdom, can be attributed to several factors, all of which ultimately served God's divine purpose. Firstly, Absalom might have genuinely desired thoroughness, wanting to ensure he had considered all angles before making such a critical decision about pursuing David. Ahithophel's counsel was indeed shrewd and decisive, but perhaps too aggressive or risky for Absalom's comfort. Secondly, Absalom, being relatively inexperienced in kingship, may have lacked the decisive leadership needed to immediately embrace Ahithophel's bold plan without further validation. He might have been susceptible to flattery or the desire for consensus. Thirdly, and most importantly from a theological perspective, it was a direct act of divine intervention. David had specifically prayed that God would "[turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - David's Prayer Against Ahithophel")". God used Absalom's seemingly innocuous desire for a second opinion to introduce Hushai, David's loyal spy, into the strategic discussion. This set the stage for Hushai to present counter-counsel that would ultimately frustrate Ahithophel's plan and save David's life, as explicitly stated in [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel"). Thus, Absalom's choice, while seemingly his own, was divinely orchestrated to fulfill God's sovereign will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of God thwarting the counsel of Ahithophel through Hushai's deceptive wisdom points forward to the ultimate triumph of God's wisdom and sovereign plan in Jesus Christ. Just as Hushai, a loyal friend, strategically entered the enemy's camp to deliver David, so too did God send His Son, Jesus, into a world hostile to Him, to deliver humanity from the grip of sin and death. The "wisdom" of the world, often manifested in human schemes and rebellion against God, is ultimately exposed as foolishness in the light of God's divine counsel. The cross, which seemed like a defeat and foolishness to human eyes, was in fact God's ultimate strategic masterpiece, "[the wisdom of God in a mystery](/1_corinthians/2-7 "1 Corinthians 2:7 - God's Hidden Wisdom")" ([1 Corinthians 1:18-25](/1_corinthians/1-18-25 "1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - The Foolishness of the Cross and God's Wisdom")). Jesus, the "[Wonderful Counselor](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Wonderful Counselor")" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Wonderful Counselor")), embodies the perfect wisdom and counsel of God, which always prevails over the schemes of the adversary. Through His death and resurrection, Christ disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), just as Hushai's counsel disarmed Absalom's rebellion. The ultimate fulfillment of God's providential care for His people is found in the eternal security and salvation offered through the perfect plan of redemption executed by Christ, ensuring that no counsel or scheme of the enemy can ultimately thwart God's purposes for His beloved.

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 15:32

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 15:37

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

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 16:19

And again, whom should I serve? [should I] not [serve] in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence.