2 Samuel 16:16
New International Version
Then Hushai the Arkite, David’s confidant, went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”

New Living Translation
When David’s friend Hushai the Arkite arrived, he went immediately to see Absalom. “Long live the king!” he exclaimed. “Long live the king!”

English Standard Version
And when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, came to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”

Berean Standard Bible
And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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!”

New American Standard Bible
Now it came about, when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, came to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”

NASB 1995
Now it came about when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, came to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”

NASB 1977
Now it came about when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, came to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”

Legacy Standard Bible
And it happened that when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, came to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”

Amplified Bible
Now it happened when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, came to Absalom, Hushai said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”

Christian Standard Bible
When David’s friend Hushai the Archite came to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When David’s friend Hushai the Archite came to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!"”

American Standard Version
And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, Long live the king, Long live the king.

Contemporary English Version
David's friend Hushai came to Absalom and said, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When David's friend Hushai from Archi's family came to Absalom, he said, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"

Good News Translation
When Hushai, David's trusted friend, met Absalom, he shouted, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"

International Standard Version
When David's friend Hushai the Archite approached Absalom, Hushai greeted Absalom, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"

Majority Standard Bible
And David?s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, ?Long live the king! Long live the king!?

NET Bible
When David's friend Hushai the Arkite came to Absalom, Hushai said to him, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"

New Heart English Bible
And it came about when David?s friend Hushai the Archite came to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, "Long live the king. Long live the king."

Webster's Bible Translation
And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, had come to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, God save the king, God save the king.

World English Bible
When Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, had come to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and it comes to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, has come to Absalom, that Hushai says to Absalom, “Let the king live! Let the king live!”

Young's Literal Translation
and it cometh to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, hath come unto Absalom, that Hushai saith unto Absalom, 'Let the king live! let the king live!'

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be, as Hushai the Archite, David's friend, came to Absalom, and Hushai will say to Absalom, The king shall live, the king shall live.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when Chusai the Arachite, David's friend, was come to Absalom, he said to him: God save thee, O king, God save thee, O king.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, had gone to Absalom, he said to him: “May you be well, O king! May you be well, O king!”

New American Bible
When David’s friend Hushai the Archite came to Absalom, he said to him: “Long live the king! Long live the king!”

New Revised Standard Version
When Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, came to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, came to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, Long live the king! long live the king!

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when Khushi the Arkite the friend of David had come to Abishlum, Khushi said to Abishlum: “The King lives! the King lives!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom: 'Long live the king, long live the king.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass when Chusi the chief friend of David came to Abessalom, that Chusi said to Abessalom, Let the king live.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai
15Then Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him. 16And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” 17“Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?”…

Cross References
2 Samuel 15:32-37
When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head. / David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me. / But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’ ...

1 Kings 1:32-37
Then King David said, “Call in for me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king. / “Take my servants with you,” said the king. “Set my son Solomon on my own mule and take him down to Gihon. / There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him king over Israel. You are to blow the ram’s horn and declare, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ ...

1 Chronicles 27:33
Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.

2 Samuel 17:5-14
Then Absalom said, “Summon Hushai the Archite as well, and let us hear what he too has to say.” / So Hushai came to Absalom, who told him, “Ahithophel has spoken this proposal. Should we carry it out? If not, what do you say?” / Hushai replied, “This time the advice of Ahithophel is not sound.” ...

2 Samuel 19:24-30
Then Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, went down to meet the king. He had not cared for his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king had left until the day he returned safely. / And he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, who asked him, “Mephibosheth, why did you not go with me?” / “My lord the king,” he replied, “because I am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled so that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ But my servant Ziba deceived me, ...

1 Kings 4:5
Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the governors; Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and adviser to the king;

1 Kings 2:5-9
Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. / But show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, because they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom. ...

2 Samuel 15:12
While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.

2 Samuel 15:34
But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’

2 Samuel 19:9-15
And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom. / But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?” / Then King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests: “Say to the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to restore the king to his palace, since the talk of all Israel has reached the king at his quarters? ...

2 Samuel 3:27
When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.

2 Samuel 20:9-10
“Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. / Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.

1 Kings 1:7-8
So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him. / But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s mighty men would not join Adonijah.

1 Kings 2:35
And the king appointed Benaiah son of Jehoiada in Joab’s place over the army, and he appointed Zadok the priest in Abiathar’s place.

1 Kings 1:42-48
As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” said Adonijah, “for you are a man of valor. You must be bringing good news.” / “Not at all,” Jonathan replied. “Our lord King David has made Solomon king. / And with Solomon, the king has sent Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, and they have set him on the king’s mule. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, God save the king, God save the king.

God save the king.

1 Samuel 10:24
And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.

1 Kings 1:25,34
For he is gone down this day, and hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the king's sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and, behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah…

2 Kings 11:12
And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.

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Absalom Ab'salom Archite Arkite David's Friend Hushai Live Save
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2 Samuel 16
1. Ziba, by presents and false suggestions, obtains his master's inheritance
5. At Bahurim, Shimei curses David
9. David with patience abstains, and restrains others, from revenge
15. Hushai insinuates himself into Absalom's counsel
20. Ahithophel's counsel














Then Hushai the Archite
Hushai is introduced here as a loyal friend and advisor to King David. The term "Archite" refers to his lineage or clan, indicating his heritage from the region of Archi, near Bethel. This detail underscores the importance of tribal and familial affiliations in ancient Israel, which often influenced political and social dynamics. Hushai's loyalty to David is a testament to the deep bonds of friendship and allegiance that transcend mere political convenience.

went to Absalom
Absalom, David's son, is in the midst of a rebellion against his father. Hushai's approach to Absalom is strategic, as he seeks to infiltrate Absalom's inner circle to serve David's interests. This action highlights the complex nature of loyalty and the intricate political maneuvers present in the narrative. It also reflects the broader theme of divine providence, where God uses human actions to fulfill His purposes.

and said to him
The act of speaking in the ancient Near Eastern context was powerful, often carrying the weight of authority and intention. Hushai's words are carefully chosen to convey allegiance while masking his true loyalty to David. This moment is a reminder of the power of words and the wisdom required to navigate difficult situations with integrity and discernment.

Long live the king! Long live the king!
This phrase is a traditional acclamation of loyalty and support for a reigning monarch. Hushai's repetition of the phrase serves to emphasize his apparent allegiance to Absalom, while in reality, it is a clever ruse to gain Absalom's trust. Theologically, this moment can be seen as a reflection of the tension between human authority and divine sovereignty. While Absalom seeks to establish his rule, the ultimate kingship belongs to God, who orchestrates events according to His divine plan. This duality serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the enduring reign of God.

(16) God save the king.--In the original, wherever this phrase occurs, it is simply, Let the king live. This and the expression "God forbid" are exceptional instances in which modern phraseology refers more directly to God than the ancient. Absalom is surprised at Hushai's coming to him, and inclined to distrust one who has deserted his former friend and master. But Hushai succeeds in explaining his conduct as based upon the principle of loyalty to the government de facto; he urges that this has the Divine authority, and his faithfulness to the former king is a pledge of faithfulness to the present one.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And
וַיְהִ֗י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

David’s
דָוִ֖ד (ḏā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

friend
רֵעֶ֥ה (rê·‘eh)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7463: Evil, misery, distress, injury

Hushai
חוּשַׁ֧י (ḥū·šay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2365: Hushai -- two Israelites

the Archite
הָאַרְכִּ֛י (hā·’ar·kî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 757: Archite -- a native of a place in Palestine

went
בָּ֞א (bā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Absalom
אַבְשָׁל֑וֹם (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites

and said
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

[him],
אַבְשָׁלֹ֔ם (’aḇ·šā·lōm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites

“Long live
יְחִ֥י (yə·ḥî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2421: To live, to revive

the king!
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Long live
יְחִ֥י (yə·ḥî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2421: To live, to revive

the king!”
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king


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OT History: 2 Samuel 16:16 It happened when Hushai the Archite David's (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
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