"Is this the loyalty you show your friend?" Absalom replied. "Why did you not go with your friend?" And Absalom asked HushaiThis phrase introduces a pivotal moment in the narrative. Absalom, the son of King David, is in the midst of a rebellion against his father. The name "Absalom" in Hebrew means "father of peace," which is ironic given his actions. Hushai, known as "Hushai the Archite," is a loyal friend and advisor to David. The historical context here is rich with tension, as Hushai's presence in Absalom's court is part of a strategic plan to undermine Absalom's rebellion. This moment is a test of loyalty and wisdom, reflecting the broader theme of divine providence and human agency. Is this the loyalty you show your friend?
The word "loyalty" in Hebrew is "chesed," which encompasses steadfast love, kindness, and faithfulness. It is a covenantal term often used to describe God's unwavering love for His people. Absalom's question is loaded with irony and suspicion, as he challenges Hushai's allegiance. The concept of "friend" here is significant, as it underscores the deep personal bonds and the betrayal that Absalom feels. This phrase invites reflection on the nature of true loyalty and the cost of betrayal, both in human relationships and in our relationship with God. Why did you not go with your friend?
This question further probes Hushai's motives and loyalty. The repetition of "friend" emphasizes the personal nature of the conflict. In the historical context, "going with" someone signifies support and allegiance, especially in times of political upheaval. Hushai's decision to stay with Absalom is a strategic move orchestrated by David, highlighting the themes of wisdom and cunning in the face of adversity. This phrase challenges readers to consider the complexities of loyalty and the difficult choices that often accompany it, reminding us of the ultimate loyalty we owe to God above all earthly ties. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbsalomThe son of King David, who rebelled against his father to take over the throne of Israel. His actions are central to the account of 2 Samuel 16. 2. Hushai the ArchiteA loyal friend and advisor to King David. He pretends to support Absalom to act as a spy for David. 3. DavidThe King of Israel, who is fleeing from Absalom's rebellion. His trust in Hushai is a key element in the unfolding events. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where Absalom has entered to establish his rule in David's absence. 5. The RebellionThe broader context of this verse is Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David, which is a significant event in the history of Israel. Teaching Points Loyalty in FriendshipTrue loyalty may sometimes require difficult decisions and actions that are not immediately understood by others. Hushai's loyalty to David is a profound example of this. Wisdom in AdversityIn times of crisis, wisdom and discernment are crucial. Hushai's strategic decision to stay with Absalom demonstrates the importance of wise counsel and action. The Consequences of RebellionAbsalom's rebellion against his father serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of pride and ambition. God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsDespite human schemes and rebellion, God's purposes prevail. The unfolding events in David's life remind us of God's ultimate control over history. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hushai's loyalty to David challenge our understanding of friendship and loyalty in difficult circumstances? 2. In what ways can we seek wisdom and discernment when faced with challenging situations, as Hushai did? 3. How does Absalom's rebellion against David illustrate the dangers of pride and ambition in our own lives? 4. What can we learn from David's response to betrayal and adversity that can be applied to our personal experiences? 5. How do the events in 2 Samuel 16:17 reflect the broader theme of God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our faith and trust in God? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 18:1-4The friendship between David and Jonathan, which highlights the theme of loyalty and friendship, contrasting with the betrayal seen in Absalom's actions. Proverbs 27:6This verse speaks to the value of faithful wounds from a friend, which can be related to Hushai's loyalty to David despite appearing to betray him. Psalm 41:9David's lament about betrayal by a close friend, which can be seen as a reflection of his experiences with Absalom and others. People Abishai, Absalom, Ahithophel, Arkite, David, Gera, Hushai, Mephibosheth, Saul, Shimei, Zeruiah, ZibaPlaces Bahurim, JerusalemTopics Absalom, Ab'salom, Didn't, Friend, Hast, Hushai, Kindness, Love, Loyalty, WentestDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 16:17 8304 loyalty Library But Although Patience be a virtue of the Mind...
8. But although patience be a virtue of the mind, yet partly the mind exercises it in the mind itself, partly in the body. In itself it exercises patience, when, the body remaining unhurt and untouched, the mind is goaded by any adversities or filthinesses of things or words, to do or to say something that is not expedient or not becoming, and patiently bears all evils that it may not itself commit any evil in work or word. By this patience we bear, even while we be sound in body, that in the midst …
St. Augustine—On Patience Nob. Bahurim.
That Nob was placed in the land of Benjamin, not far from Jerusalem, whence Jerusalem also might be seen,--the words of the Chaldee paraphrast, upon Isaiah 10:32, do argue. For so he speaks; "Sennacherib came and stood in Nob, a city of the priests, before the walls of Jerusalem; and said to his army, 'Is not this the city of Jerusalem, against which I have raised my whole army, and have subdued all the provinces of it? Is it not small and weak in comparison of all the fortifications of the Gentiles, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica David and Jonathan's Son
'And David said, is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? 2. And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. 3. And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. 4. And the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Godly are in Some Sense Already Blessed
I proceed now to the second aphorism or conclusion, that the godly are in some sense already blessed. The saints are blessed not only when they are apprehended by God, but while they are travellers to glory. They are blessed before they are crowned. This seems a paradox to flesh and blood. What, reproached and maligned, yet blessed! A man that looks upon the children of God with a carnal eye and sees how they are afflicted, and like the ship in the gospel which was covered with waves' (Matthew 8:24), …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ
IT needs no proof that Luke attached the highest importance to this part of his narrative. That Jesus was indicated from the beginning as the Messiah -- though not a necessary part of his life and work, and wholly omitted by Mark and only briefly indicated in mystical language by John -- was a highly interesting and important fact in itself, and could not fail to impress the historian. The elaboration and detail of the first two chapters of the Gospel form a sufficient proof that Luke recognized …
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem? Voluntary Suffering
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. T hat which often passes amongst men for resolution, and the proof of a noble, courageous spirit, is, in reality, the effect of a weak and little mind. At least, it is chiefly owing to the presence of certain circumstances, which have a greater influence upon the conduct, than any inherent principle. Thus may persons who appear to set death and danger at defiance in the hour …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Meditations for one that is Like to Die.
If thy sickness be like to increase unto death, then meditate on three things:--First, How graciously God dealeth with thee. Secondly, From what evils death will free thee. Thirdly, What good death will bring unto thee. The first sort of Meditations are, to consider God's favourable dealing with thee. 1. Meditate that God uses this chastisement of thy body but as a medicine to cure thy soul, by drawing thee, who art sick in sin, to come by repentance unto Christ, thy physician, to have thy soul healed …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold, and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow! A lthough the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophecies (Luke 24:44) , bear an harmonious testimony to MESSIAH ; it is not necessary to suppose that every single passage has an immediate and direct relation to Him. A method of exposition has frequently obtained [frequently been in vogue], of a fanciful and allegorical cast [contrivance], under the pretext …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 16:17 NIV2 Samuel 16:17 NLT2 Samuel 16:17 ESV2 Samuel 16:17 NASB2 Samuel 16:17 KJV
2 Samuel 16:17 Commentaries
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