2 Samuel 16:16

16 And when Chusai the Arachite, David’s friend, was come to Absalom, he said to him: God save thee, O king, God save thee, O king.

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 And the king and all the people with him came weary, and refreshed themselves there.

15 But Absalom and all his people came into Jerusalem, and Achitophel was with him.

16 And when Chusai the Arachite, David’s friend, was come to Absalom, he said to him: God save thee, O king, God save thee, O king.

17 And Absalom said to him, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? Why wentest thou not with thy friend?

18 And Chusai answered Absalom: Nay: for I will be his, whom the Lord hath chosen, and all this people, and all Israel, and with him will I abide.