Shmuel Bais 16:16

16 And it came to pass, when Chushai the Archi, re’eh Dovid, was come unto Avshalom, that Chushai said unto Avshalom, Long live HaMelech, Long live HaMelech.

Shmuel Bais 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

Shmuel Bais 16:16 In-Context

14 And HaMelech, and kol HaAm that were with him, arrived weary, and refreshed themselves there [at the Yarden].

15 And Avshalom, and kol HaAm Ish Yisroel, came to Yerushalayim, and Achitophel with him.

16 And it came to pass, when Chushai the Archi, re’eh Dovid, was come unto Avshalom, that Chushai said unto Avshalom, Long live HaMelech, Long live HaMelech.

17 And Avshalom said to Chushai, Is this thy chesed (loyal loving-kindness) to thy re’a (friend)? Why wentest thou not with thy re’a (friend)?

18 Chushai said unto Avshalom, Lo; but whom Hashem, this people, and kol Ish Yisroel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.