### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼArkîy**, represented by `{{H757}}`, is a patrial term for an **Arkite** or a native of **Archi**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses**. While it can refer to a geographical location, its primary significance in scripture is as an identifier for a key figure in King David's court.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H757}}` is used in two contexts. Geographically, it defines "the borders of **Archi**" in the territory between Bethel and Ataroth [[Joshua 16:2]]. More prominently, it is used to identify Hushai the **Archite** `{{H757}}`, a loyal friend to King David. During Absalom's rebellion, Hushai the **Archite** `{{H757}}` meets David in mourning [[2 Samuel 15:32]]. His counsel is later sought by Absalom [[2 Samuel 17:5]] and is ultimately chosen over the counsel of Ahithophel, a turn of events the scripture attributes to the LORD's plan to bring ruin upon Absalom [[2 Samuel 17:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the role of the **Archite** `{{H757}}` in the narrative:
* `{{H2365}}` **Chûwshay** (Hushai): This is the name of the man identified as the **Archite**. He is David's friend and companion ([[2 Samuel 16:16]], [[1 Chronicles 27:33]]) whose counsel proves decisive.
* `{{H302}}` **ʼĂchîythôphel** (Ahithophel): As "brother of folly," he was a highly respected counselor whose advice was set against that of Hushai the **Archite** [[2 Samuel 17:14]].
* `{{H6098}}` **ʻêtsâh** (counsel): This word for "advice" or "plan" is central to the story. The conflict is a battle of counsel, where the **counsel** of Hushai the **Archite** is deemed better than that of Ahithophel [[2 Samuel 17:14]].
* `{{H7463}}` **rêʻeh** (friend): This term explicitly defines Hushai the **Archite's** relationship to the king, as he is called "David's **friend**" [[2 Samuel 16:16]].
* `{{H7453}}` **rêaʻ** (companion): In his official capacity, Hushai the **Archite** served as "the king's **companion**" [[1 Chronicles 27:33]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative involving `{{H757}}` highlights several key themes:
* **Divine Providence:** The story explicitly states that the LORD was responsible for defeating Ahithophel's good counsel in favor of the counsel from Hushai the **Archite** `{{H757}}`. This shows God's sovereignty working through the advice and actions of loyal individuals [[2 Samuel 17:14]].
* **Loyalty in Crisis:** Hushai the **Archite** `{{H757}}` is a model of steadfast loyalty. He is identified as David's friend and companion, and his actions directly counter the treason of Absalom's conspiracy ([[2 Samuel 15:32]], [[1 Chronicles 27:33]]).
* **The Power of Counsel:** The conflict is decided not on the battlefield alone, but in the king's court through the acceptance or rejection of counsel. The advice given by the **Archite** `{{H757}}` becomes the pivot point upon which the fate of the rebellion turns.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H757}}` is more than a simple geographical marker. It is overwhelmingly associated with Hushai the **Archite**, whose identity as David's friend and counselor is inseparable from the term. The word is thus tied to a pivotal moment in Israel's history, representing the intersection of human loyalty, strategic counsel, and the clear-stated intervention of God in the affairs of the kingdom.
TRV