Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.
Parallel translations
- WEB Then Absalom said, “Now call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he says.”
- BSB Then Absalom said, “Summon Hushai the Archite as well, and let us hear what he too has to say.”
- NKJV Then Absalom said, “Now call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear what he says too.”
- NASB Nevertheless, Absalom said, “Now call Hushai the Archite also, and let’s hear what he has to say.”
- NLT But then Absalom said, “Bring in Hushai the Arkite. Let’s see what he thinks about this.”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Absalom calls for Hushai to hear his opinion as well. This providential request opens the door for God to overturn Ahithophel's deadly advice.
Overview
Though Ahithophel's plan already pleased everyone, Absalom inexplicably seeks a second opinion, and this small decision becomes the hinge of the whole rebellion's failure. The narrator will soon attribute this to the LORD's design (v. 14). It is a striking example of how God can use an apparently minor, unnecessary choice to accomplish His sovereign purpose to save His king.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 2
- 2 Sam 15:32–37And 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 Sam 16:16–19And 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.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
God's covenant with David — a son whose throne and kingdom would last forever (7:12–16) — finds its yes in Jesus, the Son of David who reigns without end.
How 2 Samuel 17:5 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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