Bible Dictionary
Hushai, Or Hushai
Hushai was an Archite and trusted friend of David who pretended allegiance to Absalom. His counsel delayed the pursuit of David and contributed to the failure of Absalom’s revolt.
Definition
Hushai was an Archite and trusted friend of David. David entrusted him with the dangerous task of pretending allegiance to Absalom while secretly opposing the counsel of Ahithophel. His advice helped delay Absalom’s pursuit of David.
Biblical Usage
Hushai appears in the accounts of David’s flight from Jerusalem and Absalom’s revolt. He is called David’s friend and is associated with the counsel that preserved David’s cause. He is also possibly identified as the father of Baana.
Historical Background
The designation Archite may indicate an inhabitant of a place called Erec. Hushai’s activity belongs to the period of David’s reign, dated in the supplied material to about 1023 B.C.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(hasting) an Archite i.e. possibly an inhabitant of a place called Erec. (2 Samuel 15:32) ff.; (2 Samuel 16:16) ff. He is called the “friend” of David. (2 Samuel 15:37) comp. 1Chr 27:33 To him David confided the delicate and dangerous part of a pretended adherence to the cause of Absalom. (B.C. about 1023.) He was probably the father of Baana. (1 Kings 4:16)