Background and Context:
Hushai the Archite was a loyal friend and advisor to King David during the tumultuous period of Absalom's rebellion. His role becomes pivotal in the narrative found in 2 Samuel 15-17, where he acts as a double agent to thwart the counsel of Ahithophel, who had sided with Absalom. Hushai's intervention is a critical moment in the preservation of David's kingship and the unfolding of God's providential plan for Israel.

The Rebellion of Absalom:
Absalom, David's son, conspired to usurp the throne, winning the hearts of the people of Israel and declaring himself king in Hebron. As David fled Jerusalem to escape the impending threat, he left behind some of his trusted advisors, including Hushai, to act on his behalf. David instructed Hushai to return to Jerusalem and offer his services to Absalom, thereby infiltrating the inner circle of the rebellion.

Hushai's Role and Strategy:
Upon returning to Jerusalem, Hushai presented himself to Absalom, feigning loyalty to the new regime. Absalom accepted Hushai into his counsel, unaware of his true allegiance to David. This strategic positioning allowed Hushai to counteract the advice of Ahithophel, whose counsel was highly esteemed and often regarded as if one were inquiring of the word of God (2 Samuel 16:23).

The Counsel of Ahithophel:
Ahithophel advised Absalom to pursue David immediately with a select group of men, aiming to strike while David was weary and vulnerable. This plan, if executed, could have led to a swift and decisive victory for Absalom. Recognizing the danger of Ahithophel's counsel, Hushai devised an alternative plan to buy David time and ensure his safety.

Hushai's Warning:
Hushai's counter-counsel was delivered with wisdom and insight. He appealed to Absalom's vanity and fear, suggesting that David and his men were mighty warriors, embittered and as dangerous as a bear robbed of her cubs. Hushai advised Absalom to gather all Israel from Dan to Beersheba, forming a vast army to overwhelm David. This plan, though strategically flawed, played on Absalom's desire for grandeur and his apprehension of David's prowess.

Hushai's words are recorded in 2 Samuel 17:7-13 : "Hushai replied, 'The advice Ahithophel has given this time is not good. You know your father and his men; they are mighty warriors, and they are as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Your father is an experienced fighter; he will not spend the night with the troops. Even now, he is hidden in a cave or some other location. If he attacks your troops first, whoever hears about it will say, "There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom." Then even the bravest soldier, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will melt with fear, for all Israel knows that your father is a mighty warrior and that those with him are valiant men.'"

The Outcome:
Absalom and the elders of Israel favored Hushai's advice over that of Ahithophel, which ultimately led to the delay that allowed David to regroup and prepare for battle. This decision was instrumental in the eventual defeat of Absalom's forces. The narrative highlights the sovereignty of God in using Hushai's counsel to protect David, as stated in 2 Samuel 17:14 : "For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster upon Absalom."

Significance:
Hushai's warning to David underscores the themes of loyalty, divine providence, and the intricate workings of God's plan through human actions. His role as a faithful friend and cunning strategist exemplifies the importance of wisdom and discernment in the face of adversity. The account of Hushai's intervention serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen king and the lineage through which the Messiah would come.