Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Hushai said to Absalom, “No, the one chosen by the LORD, by these people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and I will remain with him. New Living Translation “I’m here because I belong to the man who is chosen by the LORD and by all the men of Israel,” Hushai replied. English Standard Version And Hushai said to Absalom, “No, for whom the LORD and this people and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain. Berean Standard Bible “Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by this people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain. Berean Literal Bible And Hushai said to Absalom, “No, but he whom YHWH has chosen, and this people, and all the men of Israel, unto him I will be, and with him I will remain. King James Bible 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. New King James Version And Hushai said to Absalom, “No, but whom the LORD and this people and all the men of Israel choose, his I will be, and with him I will remain. New American Standard Bible So Hushai said to Absalom, “No! For whomever the LORD, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I shall be, and with him I shall remain. NASB 1995 Then Hushai said to Absalom, “No! For whom the LORD, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain. NASB 1977 Then Hushai said to Absalom, “No! For whom the LORD, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I be, and with him I will remain. Legacy Standard Bible Then Hushai said to Absalom, “No! For whom Yahweh, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain. Amplified Bible Hushai said to Absalom, “No! For whomever the LORD and this people and all the men of Israel have chosen [as king], I will be his, and I will remain with him. Berean Annotated Bible “Not at all, Hushai (hastening) answered (my father is peace). “For the one chosen by the LORD {YHWH}, by this people, and by all the men of Israel (he wrestles with God)—his I will be, and with him I will remain. Christian Standard Bible “Not at all,” Hushai answered Absalom. “I am on the side of the one that the LORD, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen. I will stay with him. Holman Christian Standard Bible Not at all,” Hushai answered Absalom. “I am on the side of the one that the LORD, the people, and all the men of Israel have chosen. I will stay with him. American Standard Version And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom Jehovah, and this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I be, and with him will I abide. Contemporary English Version Hushai answered, "The LORD and the people of Israel have chosen you to be king. I can't leave. I have to stay and serve the one they've chosen. English Revised Version And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I be, and with him will I abide. GOD'S WORD® Translation Hushai answered Absalom, "No, I want to be with the one whom the LORD, these people, and all Israel have chosen. I will be his [friend] and stay with him. Good News Translation Hushai answered, "How could I? I am for the one chosen by the LORD, by these people, and by all the Israelites. I will stay with you. International Standard Version Hushai replied, "No! On the contrary, whomever the LORD, this group, and all the men of Israel choose is where I'll be, and I'll remain with him! NET Bible Hushai replied to Absalom, "No, I will be loyal to the one whom the LORD, these people, and all the men of Israel have chosen. New Heart English Bible Then Hushai said to Absalom, "No, but whom the LORD and this people and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I belong, and with him I will stay. Webster's Bible Translation And Hushai said to 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by this people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain. World English Bible Hushai said to Absalom, “No; but whomever Yahweh and this people and all the men of Israel have chosen, I will be his, and I will stay with him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Hushai says to Absalom, “No, for he whom YHWH has chosen, and this people, even all the men of Israel, I am his, and I abide with him; Berean Literal Bible And Hushai said to Absalom, “No, but he whom YHWH has chosen, and this people, and all the men of Israel, unto him I will be, and with him I will remain. Young's Literal Translation And Hushai saith unto Absalom, 'Nay, for he whom Jehovah hath chosen, and this people, even all the men of Israel, his I am, and with him I abide; Smith's Literal Translation And Hushai will say to Absalom, Nay; for whom Jehovah chose and this people, and every man of Israel, shall I not be and dwell with him? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Chusai answered Absalom: Nay: for I will be his, whom the Lord hath chosen, and all this people, and all Israel, and with him will I abide. Catholic Public Domain Version And Hushai responded to Absalom: “By no means! For I will be his, whom the Lord has chosen. And I, and all this people, and all of Israel, will remain with him. New American Bible Hushai replied to Absalom: “On the contrary, I am his whom the LORD and all this people and all Israel have chosen, and with him I will stay. New Revised Standard Version Hushai said to Absalom, “No; but the one whom the LORD and this people and all the Israelites have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Hushai said to Absalom. No; but whom the LORD and this people and all Israel have chosen, with him will I dwell, and his will I be. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Khushi said to Abishlum: “Is it not with him whom LORD JEHOVAH chose, and this people and all Israel, his possession with whom I shall stay, and I shall be his? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Hushai said unto Absalom: 'Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I be, and with him will I abide. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Chusi said to Abessalom, Nay, but following whom the Lord, and this people, and all Israel have chosen, - his will I be, and with him I will dwell. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai…17“Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?” 18“Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by the people, and by all the men of Israel— his I will be, and with him I will remain. 19Furthermore, whom should I serve if not the son? As I served in your father’s presence, so also I will serve in yours.”… Cross References “Not at all,” Hushai answered. 2 Samuel 20:20 “Far be it!” Joab declared. “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy! 1 Samuel 24:6 So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” 1 Samuel 26:11 But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.” “For the one chosen by the LORD, 1 Samuel 16:12-13 So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. Psalm 78:70-71 He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; / from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. 1 Kings 8:16 ‘Since the day I brought My people Israel out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city from any tribe of Israel in which to build a house so that My Name would be there. But I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’ by this people, 1 Samuel 8:19-22 Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We must have a king over us. / Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to judge us, to go out before us, and to fight our battles.” / Samuel listened to all the words of the people and repeated them in the hearing of the LORD. … 1 Samuel 12:13 Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you. 1 Samuel 10:24 Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!” and by all the men of Israel— 2 Samuel 5:1-3 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel. 1 Chronicles 12:38 All these men of war, arrayed for battle, came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of the Israelites were of one mind to make David king. 1 Chronicles 11:1-3 Then all Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where David made a covenant with them before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel. his I will be, 2 Samuel 15:15 The king’s servants replied, “Whatever our lord the king decides, we are your servants.” 1 Samuel 18:1-4 After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. / And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. / Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. … Joshua 24:15 But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!” and with him I will remain. 2 Samuel 15:21 But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!” Treasury of Scripture And Hushai said to Absalom, No; 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 5:1-3 Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh… 1 Samuel 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. Jump to Previous Abide Absalom Ab'salom Choose Chosen Hushai IsraelJump to Next Abide Absalom Ab'salom Choose Chosen Hushai Israel2 Samuel 16 1. Ziba, by presents and false suggestions, obtains his master's inheritance5. 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 “Not at all,” Hushai answered. Hushai the Archite was a loyal friend and advisor to King David. In this context, he is responding to Absalom, David's son, who has usurped the throne. Hushai's response is strategic, as he seeks to remain loyal to David while appearing to support Absalom. This reflects the wisdom and cunning often necessary in political and spiritual warfare, reminiscent of Jesus' instruction to be "shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). “For the one chosen by the LORD, by this people, and by all the men of Israel— his I will be, and with him I will remain. Persons / Places / Events 1. Hushai the ArchiteA loyal friend and advisor to King David, Hushai is sent back to Jerusalem to act as a spy and counter the counsel of Ahithophel, Absalom's advisor. 2. Absalom The son of King David who rebels against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. 3. David The anointed king of Israel, who is fleeing from Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion. 4. Jerusalem The capital city of Israel, where Absalom has taken control and where Hushai returns to serve as a double agent. 5. Ahithophel A former advisor to David who defects to Absalom, known for his wise counsel. Teaching Points Loyalty to God's AnointedHushai's loyalty to David, despite the apparent power shift, underscores the importance of remaining faithful to God's chosen leaders. Divine Sovereignty The unfolding events remind us that God's purposes prevail, even when human plans seem to succeed temporarily. Wisdom in Counsel Hushai's role as a counter to Ahithophel's advice illustrates the need for discernment and wisdom in whom we choose to listen to and follow. Courage in Adversity Hushai's courage to stand with David, risking his life, challenges us to stand firm in our convictions, even in difficult circumstances. God's Faithfulness The account reassures believers of God's faithfulness to His promises and His people, encouraging trust in His ultimate plan. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 16:18?2. How does Hushai's loyalty to David reflect godly friendship and counsel? 3. What can we learn about discernment from Hushai's response in 2 Samuel 16:18? 4. How does Hushai's strategy connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting God? 5. How can we apply Hushai's wisdom in our daily decision-making? 6. What does Hushai's approach teach about balancing truth and strategy in conflict? 7. Why does Hushai claim loyalty to Absalom in 2 Samuel 16:18 despite being David's friend? 8. How does 2 Samuel 16:18 reflect on the theme of loyalty and betrayal? 9. What does Hushai's response in 2 Samuel 16:18 reveal about political strategy in ancient Israel? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 16? 11. 2 Samuel 4:8-11 - How can David both punish the men for killing Ishbosheth and still claim God's hand in his rise to power without contradiction? 12. In 2 Samuel 21:5-6, why does David permit the execution of Saul's descendants if Deuteronomy 24:16 forbids punishing children for a parent's wrongdoing? 13. In 2 Samuel 2:4, why is David anointed again when he was already anointed in 1 Samuel 16:13? 14. In 2 Samuel 12:15-23, how can the moral or spiritual purpose of the child's death be reconciled with the idea of a loving and merciful God? What Does 2 Samuel 16:18 Mean “Not at all,”• Hushai’s immediate denial tells Absalom he is not switching sides for selfish gain. • The phrase signals resolute allegiance, echoing the decisive “Far be it from me” language seen in 1 Samuel 12:23 and Joshua 24:16. • It sets the tone for a conversation where motives—not just words—matter (Proverbs 27:6). “Hushai answered.” • The narrator stresses that Hushai is giving a deliberate reply, not a nervous reaction. • His answer is part of David’s larger plan (2 Samuel 15:32–34) to frustrate Ahithophel’s counsel (2 Samuel 17:14). • God often uses a faithful messenger’s words to overturn evil schemes, as with Esther before Ahasuerus (Esther 7:3–4) and Joseph before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:16). “For the one chosen by the LORD,” • Primary loyalty belongs to the king God appoints (1 Samuel 16:1, 13; Psalm 78:70–71). • Even in exile, David remains the LORD’s anointed (2 Samuel 15:25). • Scripture teaches that divine choice, not human majority, establishes legitimate authority (Romans 13:1; Proverbs 8:15–16). “by this people,” • Hushai appeals to the covenant community’s earlier acclaim of David (2 Samuel 5:1–3). • Israel’s voice had already ratified God’s choice, reminiscent of the united shout at Solomon’s coronation (1 Kings 1:39–40). • Collective memory is a safeguard against rebellious novelty (Deuteronomy 32:7). “and by all the men of Israel—his I will be,” • The phrase widens the circle: national unity once surrounded David, and Hushai aligns with that unity. • Loyalty here is covenantal, not merely personal—like Jonathan’s pledge to David despite Saul’s throne (1 Samuel 20:13–16). • Hushai’s words subtly remind Absalom that true consensus rested with David, placing Absalom on shaky ground (2 Samuel 19:9–10). “and with him I will remain.” • Hushai pledges enduring faithfulness, echoing Ruth’s “where you go I will go” (Ruth 1:16). • His steadfast commitment models the call to stick with God’s anointed even when circumstances look bleak (Psalm 89:28–29). • By staying, Hushai becomes an instrument of deliverance, proving that loyalty and prudence can coexist (Matthew 10:16). summary Hushai’s statement skillfully affirms that rightful allegiance belongs to the king God has chosen—David—not to the usurper Absalom. Each phrase reinforces divine selection, covenantal memory, national unity, and personal loyalty. In doing so, Hushai positions himself as both faithful servant and strategic advocate, demonstrating that unwavering commitment to God’s anointed ultimately thwarts rebellion and preserves the LORD’s purposes. Verse 18. - The men of Israel. Here and in ver. 15 the men of Israel are not contrasted with the men of Judah, but include them (see 2 Samuel 15:10). Absalom's rebellion began at Hebron, in Judaea, and the selection of Amasa, a first cousin both of David and Joab, as commander-in-chief, suggests the conclusion that Absalom's chief strength lay in David's own tribe, though men from all the tribes on the west of the Jordan had also flocked to his standard. Besides them, Hushai speaks of this people, that is, the citizens of Jerusalem. For, while there had been general lamentation at David's departure (2 Samuel 15:23), yet the citizens had admitted Absalom without a struggle, and submitted to him. David's adherents are also constantly called "the people," because they did not belong to any special tribe, but were drawn indifferently from them all.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Not at all,”לֹ֕א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no Hushai חוּשַׁי֮ (ḥū·šay) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2365: Hushai -- two Israelites answered. וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “For כִּי֩ (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the one אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that chosen בָּחַ֧ר (bā·ḥar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 977: To try, select by the LORD, יְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel by the הַזֶּ֖ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that people, וְהָעָ֥ם (wə·hā·‘ām) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock and by all וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the men אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of Israel— יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc his ל֥וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 3808: Not, no I will be, אֶהְיֶ֖ה (’eh·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be and with him וְאִתּ֥וֹ (wə·’it·tōw) Conjunctive waw | Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among I will remain. אֵשֵֽׁב׃ (’ê·šêḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry Links 2 Samuel 16:18 NIV2 Samuel 16:18 NLT 2 Samuel 16:18 ESV 2 Samuel 16:18 NASB 2 Samuel 16:18 KJV 2 Samuel 16:18 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 16:18 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 16:18 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 16:18 French Bible 2 Samuel 16:18 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 16:18 Hushai said to Absalom No (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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