Keraia
People

Hushai

Hushai the Arkite was a loyal friend and advisor to King David, who helped him during Absalom's rebellion by countering the advice of Ahithophel.

The name Hushai means “their haste; their sensuality; their silence”

MaleDavid's compatriotUnited Monarchy eraOld Testament3 books19 verses

Summary

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2 Samuel 15:32; only referred to as Hushai (חוּשַׁי); father of Baana.

Glossary entries

Hushai

Family members

Children

Baana

Alternative names

Mentions

Includes 6 verses that refer to Hushai without naming them, as “he”, “she”, or the subject of a verb.

  1. 2 Samuel 15:32
    When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head.
  2. 2 Samuel 15:33Referred to, not named
    David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me.
  3. 2 Samuel 15:34Referred to, not named
    But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’
  4. 2 Samuel 15:35Referred to, not named
    Will not Zadok and Abiathar the priests be there with you? Report to them everything you hear from the king’s palace.
  5. 2 Samuel 15:36Referred to, not named
    Indeed, their two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of Abiathar, are there with them. Send them to me with everything you hear.”
  6. 2 Samuel 15:37
    So David’s friend Hushai arrived in Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering the city.
  7. 2 Samuel 16:16
    And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”
  8. 2 Samuel 16:17
    “Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?”
  9. 2 Samuel 16:18
    “Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by this people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain.
  10. 2 Samuel 16:19Referred to, not named
    Furthermore, whom should I serve if not his son? As I served in your father’s presence, so also I will serve in yours.”
  11. 2 Samuel 17:5
    Then Absalom said, “Summon Hushai the Archite as well, and let us hear what he too has to say.”
  12. 2 Samuel 17:6
    So Hushai came to Absalom, who told him, “Ahithophel has spoken this proposal. Should we carry it out? If not, what do you say?”
  13. 2 Samuel 17:7
    Hushai replied, “This time the advice of Ahithophel is not sound.”
  14. 2 Samuel 17:8
    He continued, “You know your father and his men. They are mighty men, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Moreover, your father is a man of war who will not spend the night with the troops.
  15. 2 Samuel 17:11Referred to, not named
    Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beersheba—a multitude like the sand on the seashore—be gathered to you, and that you yourself lead them into battle.
  16. 2 Samuel 17:14
    Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.
  17. 2 Samuel 17:15
    So Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, “This is what Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and this is what I have advised.
  18. 1 Kings 4:16
    Baana son of Hushai in Asher and in Aloth;
  19. 1 Chronicles 27:33
    Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.