Original Word: חיּשַׁי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Chuwshay
Pronunciation: KHOOSH-ay
Phonetic Spelling: (khoo-shah'-ee)
KJV: Hushai
NASB: Hushai
Word Origin: [from H2363 (חוּשׁ - To hasten)]

1. hasty
2. Chushai, an Israelite

Hushai

From chuwsh; hasty; Chushai, an Israelite -- Hushai.

see HEBREW chuwsh

Word Origin
from chush
Definition
two Isr.
NASB Translation
Hushai (14).

חוּשַׁי proper name, masculine 1. הָאַרְכִּי ׳ח 2 Samuel 15:32; so 2 Samuel 17:5,14, called רֵעֶה דוד 2 Samuel 15:37 friend of David, so 2 Samuel 16:16a; compare 2 Samuel 16:16b; 2 Samuel 16:17,18; 1 Chronicles 27:33; also 1 Samuel 17:6,7,8,15.

2 1 Kings 4:16 father of one of Solomon's officers.

Overview

Hushai (Chiyyshay), “the Archite,” appears in four narrative units of Scripture and is remembered for unwavering loyalty to David, Spirit-directed wisdom that preserved the Davidic throne, and a legacy that extended into Solomon’s administration.

Historical Setting

Hushai belonged to the clan of the Archites, located near Bethel on the border of Ephraim (Joshua 16:2). His relationship with David was already established before Absalom’s revolt; 1 Chronicles 27:33 records, “Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.” The term “friend” in royal contexts denotes an intimate adviser who enjoys both personal affection and political trust.

Encounter on the Mount of Olives

As David fled Jerusalem, “Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head” (2 Samuel 15:32). Hushai’s torn garments and dust mirrored David’s humiliation, signaling wholehearted identification with the king’s suffering. David discerned greater value in Hushai’s presence within Jerusalem than in the wilderness and commissioned him to “defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel” (15:34). The scene sets the tone for Hushai’s ministry: self-denial in service of the anointed king.

Loyalty Tested in Absalom’s Court

Twice Hushai greeted Absalom with the cry, “Long live the king!” (2 Samuel 16:16). Rather than treachery, it was calculated fidelity to David under the veil of political acumen. When Absalom probed, “Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” (16:17), Hushai answered with words that could be interpreted as devotion either to the reigning monarch or to the LORD’s chosen, thereby gaining the rebel’s confidence without compromising truth (16:18).

Counsel that Shaped a Kingdom

Ahithophel urged a swift, surgical strike against the weary David (2 Samuel 17:1-3). Called to give a second opinion, Hushai exposed the risks of that plan and advocated delay, painting David as “a man of war” whose men were “valiant in heart” (17:8). His counsel appealed to Absalom’s vanity and fear, buying David precious time to regroup across the Jordan. Scripture interprets the event theologically: “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better… For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom” (17:14). Human strategy served divine sovereignty, revealing God’s unseen hand working through a trusted friend.

Network of Communication

Hushai relayed intelligence through Zadok, Abiathar, and their sons, Jonathan and Ahimaaz (2 Samuel 17:15-16). The covert system highlights the unity of prophet, priest, and trusted layman in safeguarding the covenant king. Hushai’s discreet partnership contrasts with Ahithophel’s solitary despair, underscoring the protection found in righteous alliances.

Legacy in Solomon’s Reign

1 Kings 4:16 lists “Baana son of Hushai” among Solomon’s twelve district governors, suggesting that Hushai’s family retained honor in the united kingdom. The appointment reflects royal gratitude and the lasting influence of faithful service.

Theological Significance

1. Providence: Hushai’s presence in Jerusalem at the critical moment was no coincidence; his counsel formed part of God’s predetermined plan to preserve the Davidic line, through which Messiah would come.
2. Wisdom over Brilliance: Ahithophel’s insight was legendary, yet the fear of the LORD guiding Hushai proved superior.
3. Loyal Friendship: In an age of shifting allegiances, Hushai modeled covenant faithfulness that pointed to the ultimate Friend who “sticks closer than a brother.”
4. Suffering and Glory: By sharing David’s humiliation, Hushai participated in the pattern later fulfilled in Christ—first the cross, then the crown.

Practical Applications

• Stand with God’s anointed even when circumstances appear hopeless.
• Employ wisdom and integrity in political or vocational spheres while trusting divine sovereignty.
• Foster networks of righteous partnership for mutual protection and kingdom advancement.
• Recognize that godly counsel may thwart seemingly brilliant but ungodly strategies.

Key References

2 Samuel 15:32; 15:37; 16:16-18; 17:5-15

1 Kings 4:16

1 Chronicles 27:33

וְחוּשַׁ֥י וחושי חוּשַׁ֔י חוּשַׁ֖י חוּשַׁ֗י חוּשַׁ֛י חוּשַׁ֣י חוּשַׁ֧י חוּשַׁי֙ חוּשַׁי֮ חוּשָׁ֔י חושי לְחוּשַׁ֣י לחושי chuShai ḥū·šay ḥū·šāy ḥūšay ḥūšāy lə·ḥū·šay lechuShai ləḥūšay vechuShai wə·ḥū·šay wəḥūšayInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts