2 Samuel 17:5

5 But Absalom said, "Send for Hushai, the Arkite. Then we can find out what he suggests."

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 Bring all of the other people back. After the man you want to kill is dead, everyone else will return to you. And none of the people will be harmed."

4 Ahithophel's plan seemed good to Absalom. It also seemed good to all of the elders of Israel.

5 But Absalom said, "Send for Hushai, the Arkite. Then we can find out what he suggests."

6 Hushai came to him. Absalom said, "Ahithophel has given us his advice. Should we do what he says? If we shouldn't, tell us what you would do."

7 Hushai replied to Absalom, "The advice Ahithophel has given you isn't good this time.