Boy Old Testament Known
Hushai
their haste; their sensuality; their silence
חוּשַׁי chu.shay
Hushai (Hebrew: חוּשַׁי, chu.shay) means “their haste; their sensuality; their silence”, by traditional interpretation. Two men in scripture bear the name; the best attested is a king. In United States birth records the name is below the reporting threshold. Appears with Abiathar in 2 Samuel 17.
Which Hushai?
Two men in scripture bear this name. Here is each of them.
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Hushai
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Hushai
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 13 across 3 books
- Bearers
- 2 distinct people in scripture
- Testament
- Old
- Era
- United Monarchy
Using it today
In United States birth records this name is below the reporting threshold. The Social Security Administration does not publish counts under five, so a name given to four children looks the same as one given to none.
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | 2 Samuel 15:32 |
| Last appears | 1 Chronicles 27:33 |
| Cross-references | 167 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Ahithophel co-occurrence Appears with Ahithophel in 2 Samuel 17.
- Absalom co-occurrence Appears with Absalom in 2 Samuel 17.
- Baana co-occurrence Appears with Baana in 1 Kings 4.
- Nahash co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Nahash.
- Shobi co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Shobi.
- Abiathar co-occurrence Appears with Abiathar in 2 Samuel 17.
- Jonathan co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Jonathan.
- Asher co-occurrence Appears with Asher in 1 Kings 4.
Origin & meaning
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.15.32;
father of: Baana (H1195H)
§ Hushai = "hasting"
1) an Archite, a friend of David
2) the father of Baana, an officer of Solomon; probably the same as 1
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 biblical story
Hushai, also known as Hushai the Arkite, was a close friend and advisor to King David. He played a significant role during the rebellion of David's son Absalom, as recorded in 2 Samuel 15-17.
When David fled from Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion, Hushai met him on the Mount of Olives, mourning and showing his loyalty to the king (2Sa.15.32). David instructed Hushai to return to Jerusalem and feign allegiance to Absalom, in order to counter the advice of Ahithophel, Absalom's counselor (2Sa.15.34).
Hushai followed David's plan and gained Absalom's trust (2Sa.16.16-19). When Ahithophel advised Absalom to pursue David immediately, Absalom sought Hushai's opinion (2Sa.17.5-7). Hushai cleverly countered Ahithophel's advice, suggesting that Absalom gather a larger army before pursuing David (2Sa.17.8-13). Absalom followed Hushai's advice, which bought David time to regroup and ultimately led to Absalom's defeat (2Sa.17.14-15).
Hushai's loyalty and wise counsel were instrumental in helping David overcome the crisis of Absalom's rebellion. His actions demonstrate the importance of faithful friends and advisors, especially in times of difficulty.
In addition to his role during Absalom's rebellion, Hushai is mentioned in 1Ki.4.16 as one of Solomon's twelve district governors, responsible for providing provisions for the king and his household. He is also listed in 1Ch.27.33 as one of David's counselors, along with Jonathan, David's uncle.
Hushai's service to both David and Solomon highlights his enduring loyalty to the Davidic dynasty and his valued role as a trusted advisor to the kings of Israel.
Key verses
Hushai appears in 13 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
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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 15:32 -
So Hushai David’s friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.
2 Samuel 15:37 -
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 16:16 -
And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?
2 Samuel 16:17 -
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.
2 Samuel 16:18
Show all 13 references
2 Samuel (11)
- 2 Samuel 15:32
- 2 Samuel 15:37
- 2 Samuel 16:16
- 2 Samuel 16:17
- 2 Samuel 16:18
- 2 Samuel 17:5
- 2 Samuel 17:6
- 2 Samuel 17:7
- 2 Samuel 17:8
- 2 Samuel 17:14
- 2 Samuel 17:15
1 Kings (1)
- 1 Kings 4:16
1 Chronicles (1)
- 1 Chronicles 27:33