2 Samuel 16:16 kjv
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 nkjv
And so it was, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, came to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"
2 Samuel 16:16 niv
Then Hushai the Arkite, David's confidant, went to Absalom and said to him, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"
2 Samuel 16:16 esv
And when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, came to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"
2 Samuel 16:16 nlt
When David's friend Hushai the Arkite arrived, he went immediately to see Absalom. "Long live the king!" he exclaimed. "Long live the king!"
2 Samuel 16 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Sam 15:32 | "When David came to the summit, where God was worshiped...Hushai...met him." | David's plan to send Hushai is revealed. |
| 2 Sam 15:34 | "But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, 'I will be your servant, O king...'" | David's instruction to Hushai for deception. |
| 2 Sam 15:37 | "So Hushai, David’s friend, came into the city..." | Hushai obeys David's command. |
| 2 Sam 17:7 | "Then Hushai said to Absalom, "The counsel of Ahithophel is not good..."" | Hushai's strategic counter-counsel begins. |
| 2 Sam 17:14 | "For the Lord had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel..." | God's direct intervention using Hushai. |
| Psa 33:10 | "The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing..." | God frustrates human schemes. |
| Psa 14:4 | "Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread..." | Evil counsel against God's anointed. |
| Prov 21:30 | "No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord." | Divine wisdom superior to human schemes. |
| Isa 44:25 | "who frustrates the signs of liars and makes fools of diviners..." | God thwarts deceptive wisdom. |
| Jer 17:9 | "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" | General principle of human deceit (irony for Absalom). |
| 1 Sam 21:13 | "So he changed his behavior before them and feigned madness in their sight..." | David uses deception to save his life. |
| 1 Kgs 1:31 | "Bathsheba bowed with her face to the ground and paid homage and said, "May my lord King David live forever!"" | Similar traditional acclamation of royalty. |
| 1 Sam 10:24 | "And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!”" | Traditional acclamation for Saul. |
| John 12:13 | "“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”" | Acclamation for Christ's kingship (divine/earthly). |
| Mark 15:18 | "And they began to salute him, "Hail, King of the Jews!"" | Ironic acclamation of Jesus' kingship. |
| Psa 41:9 | "Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me." | Ahithophel's treachery, contrasts with Hushai's true loyalty. |
| Rom 8:28 | "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good..." | God works through all circumstances, including deceit. |
| Phil 2:7-8 | "but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant...even death on a cross." | Christ's humble strategy parallels, yet infinitely surpasses, any human guile for divine purpose. |
| 2 Cor 12:16 | "But granting that I myself did not burden you, yet, being crafty, I caught you with guile!" | Paul uses "guile" for good (pastoral purpose, distinct from Hushai). |
| Exod 1:19 | "The midwives said to Pharaoh, 'Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women..." | Deception to preserve life and God's people. |
| Heb 11:31 | "By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies." | Rahab's deception for a righteous outcome through faith. |
2 Samuel 16 verses
2 Samuel 16 16 Meaning
This verse details the pivotal moment when Hushai the Archite, who was genuinely King David's most trusted friend and counselor, formally presents himself to Absalom. He outwardly declares his feigned loyalty by loudly exclaiming, "Long live the king! Long live the king!" This strategic act of apparent allegiance is crucial for David's counter-strategy, allowing Hushai to infiltrate Absalom's inner circle. His fervent and repetitive acclamation aims to convey sincere devotion to Absalom's new reign, thereby establishing trust for his future role as David's loyal intelligence operative and to ultimately undermine Absalom's rebellion.
2 Samuel 16 16 Context
Chapter 16 of 2 Samuel describes a pivotal phase in Absalom's rebellion against King David. David has fled Jerusalem, encountering various figures who test his leadership and faith. Ziba has just misled David about Mephibosheth, and Shimei has cursed David with bitter words. Against this backdrop of humiliation and uncertainty, David puts his counter-plan into action. He previously commanded his trusted counselor, Hushai, to return to Jerusalem and infiltrate Absalom's inner circle to deliberately counter the advice of Ahithophel, Absalom's brilliant but treacherous advisor. This verse details Hushai's first critical move, as he immediately goes to Absalom and publicly professes allegiance, thereby setting the stage for his strategic intervention to save David's throne and frustrate Absalom's plans, all orchestrated by divine providence.
2 Samuel 16 16 Word analysis
- When Hushai the Archite, David's friend:
- Hushai (חוּשַׁי - Chushay): This individual is established as central to David's strategy. His role is not merely as an acquaintance but specifically as David's most trusted advisor.
- the Archite (הָאַרְכִּי - ha'Arkhiy): Indicates his origin, likely a place named Archi near Bethel, underscoring his personal connection and local standing that would give credibility.
- David's friend (רֵעֶה דָוִד - Re'eh Dawid): This Hebrew phrase emphasizes a deep, personal, and loyal relationship, more than just an ally. This description, given here even as Hushai is about to 'betray' David outwardly, highlights the dramatic irony and his profound, unwavering true allegiance. This identity also provided a reason for Absalom to trust him.
- came to Absalom:
- Signifies a deliberate, purposeful act. Hushai sought out Absalom, not an accidental encounter. This action initiates his mission of infiltration.
- that Hushai said to Absalom:
- Indicates direct communication, initiating the formal display of his feigned allegiance.
- "God save the king, God save the king." (יְחִי הַמֶּלֶךְ - Yekhi ha-Melekh!):
- This Hebrew phrase literally means "Live the King!" or "May the king live long!". It is a customary, strong acclamation expressing loyalty, submission, and hope for a long, prosperous reign for the monarch.
- Repetition: The double declaration ("God save the king, God save the king") intensifies the apparent enthusiasm and sincerity of Hushai's proclamation. It's a calculated performative act designed to utterly convince Absalom and his court of his immediate and zealous transfer of allegiance. The repetition removes any doubt about his position.
- Irony and Purpose: This dramatic declaration stands in stark contrast to Hushai's true purpose. The words, while honoring Absalom, are uttered for David's ultimate benefit, making them a profound act of strategic deception orchestrated by God's plan. This public statement is his entry point to gain Absalom's trust, setting the stage for him to undermine Absalom's crucial strategies.
2 Samuel 16 16 Bonus section
This verse subtly introduces the complex ethical dilemma of Hushai's deception. While on the surface it appears as a betrayal of David for Absalom, the text clearly frames it as the execution of David's strategic command and ultimately, as part of God's overarching plan to thwart the rebellion. This act sets up the theological truth that God can use unexpected means, and human strategies – even those involving guile – to accomplish His righteous will (2 Sam 17:14). It directly foreshadows the critical confrontation between Hushai and Ahithophel's counsel in the next chapter. The irony is palpable: Hushai, the true "friend of David," uses "friendly" greetings and apparent loyalty to an enemy to bring about that enemy's downfall, showcasing an inverted form of the treachery committed by Absalom and Ahithophel. This verse establishes Hushai not merely as a character but as an instrument of divine providence, fulfilling David's prayer (2 Sam 15:31) and ultimately securing God's purpose for His kingdom.
2 Samuel 16 16 Commentary
2 Samuel 16:16 marks a turning point in Absalom's rebellion as David's crucial intelligence operation begins to unfold. Hushai's immediate and fervent declaration of loyalty to Absalom, a common acclamation for a newly established king, demonstrates his deep understanding of royal protocol and his skill in espionage. This act, while outwardly deceptive, serves as the critical entry point for Hushai to infiltrate Absalom's trusted circle. His feigned allegiance, contrasted with his deep, unswerving loyalty to David, is ultimately an act of service to God's sovereign plan. It positions him to counteract Ahithophel's shrewd counsel, which is pivotal to the success or failure of the rebellion, ensuring David's eventual restoration. This verse highlights that God can work through complex human strategies, including a form of righteous deception, to bring about His divine purposes and protect His anointed one.