2 Samuel 17:5

5 But Absalom said, “Summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he has to say as well.”

2 Samuel 17:5 in Other Translations

5 Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.

5 Then Absalom said, "Call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear what he has to say."

5 But then Absalom said, “Bring in Hushai the Arkite. Let’s see what he thinks about this.”

5 But then Absalom said, "Call in Hushai the Arkite - let's hear what he has to say."

5 Then Absalom said, "Summon Hushai the Archite also. Let's hear what he has to say as well."

2 Samuel 17:5 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 17:5

Then said Absalom, call now Hushai the Archite also
For it seems he was not at the council board at this time; whether he was as yet admitted to it is not certain: there is something very remarkable in the providence of God, to incline Absalom to have the opinion of Hushai upon this point, when the counsel of Ahithophel was so universally approved of; and Hushai also being well known to have been an intimate friend and confident of David's, and not so settled and established in the interest of Absalom, and such a sworn friend of his as Ahithophel was; this can only be ascribed to the will of God, to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel, and the wisdom of divine Providence in blinding the mind of Absalom with respect to his counsel, and inclining it to take the opinion of Hushai:

and let us hear likewise what he saith;
which he might say without any diffidence about the "counsel" given, but knowing that in the multitude of counsellors there is safety; and Hushai being a wise and good counsellor, he might hope and expect that he would give the same advice, and so strengthen and confirm it.

2 Samuel 17:5 In-Context

3 and bring all the people back to you. The death of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be unharmed.”

4 This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.

5 But Absalom said, “Summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he has to say as well.”

6 When Hushai came to him, Absalom said, “Ahithophel has given this advice. Should we do what he says? If not, give us your opinion.”

7 Hushai replied to Absalom, “The advice Ahithophel has given is not good this time.

Cross References

• 1. S 2 Samuel 15:32