2 Samuel 16:16

16 Then Hushai, the Arkite, went to Absalom. He said to him, "May the king live a long time! May the king live a long time!" Hushai was David's friend.

2 Samuel 16:16 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 16:16

And it came to pass that when Hushai the Archite, David's
friend, was come unto Absalom
Who came into Jerusalem at the same time that Absalom did, and who, no doubt, took the first opportunity to make his court to him, ( 2 Samuel 15:37 ) ;

that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king;
or "may the king live" ^F3, live long, and his kingdom be permanent; these words are very ambiguous, he might mean David, who was true and lawful king, though he would have them understood of Absalom, who was king by usurpation, in which he used great deceit and flattery; and that he might not be suspected of it, but be thought to be sincere and truly loyal to Absalom, he repeats the wish.

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FOOTNOTES:

F3 (Klmh yxy) "vivat rex", Pagninus. Montanus

2 Samuel 16:16 In-Context

14 The king and all of the people who were with him came to the place they had planned to go to. They were very tired. So David rested there.

15 During that time, Absalom and all of the men of Israel came to Jerusalem. Ahithophel was with him.

16 Then Hushai, the Arkite, went to Absalom. He said to him, "May the king live a long time! May the king live a long time!" Hushai was David's friend.

17 Absalom asked Hushai, "Is this the way you show love to your friend? Why didn't you go with him?"

18 Hushai said to Absalom, "Why should I? You are the one the LORD has chosen. These people and all of the men of Israel have also chosen you. I want to be on your side. I want to stay with you.