And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake vnto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this maner: shall we doe after his saying? if not, speake thou. 2 Samuel 17:6 (KJV)
“And Hushai said unto Absalom his brother, My lord, let not the counsel of Ahithophel, which he hath given, be done; for the LORD hath turned it into evil in the eyes of my lord.” In this verse Hushai, a loyal friend and counselor to King David, is speaking to Absalom, David’s rebellious son who sought to overthrow his father’s kingdom. Ahithophel, a renowned counselor, had offered Absalom advice on how to pursue and capture David, but Hushai disagrees and seeks to present an alternative strategy.
Hushai’s loyalty to King David is evident. Despite Absalom’s rebellion and Ahithophel’s influential counsel, Hushai remains committed to David’s cause. His motivation is rooted in faithfulness, highlighting the importance of loyalty and commitment in our relationship with God.
The passage also underscores the need to evaluate counsel and wisdom. Hushai challenges Ahithophel’s advice, suggesting it is not suitable for the current situation. This reminds believers to discern advice in light of the specific context and God’s leading, recognizing that not all counsel is applicable in every circumstance.
As the narrative unfolds, Hushai’s intervention proves part of God’s sovereign plan to protect David. His alternative counsel delays Absalom’s pursuit, giving David time to gather forces and devise a counter‑strategy. This demonstrates divine intervention and strategic planning, showing how God can use individuals and circumstances for His purposes.
The verse also calls believers to trust God’s providence even in difficult and uncertain situations. Although David faced a grave threat from his own son, God was working behind the scenes to ensure his safety. The subsequent chapters of 2 Samuel reveal God’s faithfulness to His promises and His ability to protect and guide His people.
Practical application follows:
- Loyalty and commitment: Reflect on your own loyalty to God and His purposes, remaining steadfast even when faced with challenging circumstances or conflicting advice.
- Seeking godly counsel: Evaluate advice against Scripture and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance through prayer before deciding on a course of action.
- Trusting God’s providence: Find comfort in knowing that God orchestrates events for ultimate good and His glory, even when situations appear dire.
- Patience and strategic planning: Like Hushai’s counsel that bought David valuable time, exercise patience and seek divine wisdom before acting, avoiding rash decisions that could have detrimental consequences.
Studying the surrounding verses and the broader narrative helps deepen understanding of this passage and its significance within the larger story of God’s redemptive work.
