2 Samuel 16:16

16 And when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, came to Ab'salom, Hushai said to Ab'salom, "Long live the king! Long live the 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 who were with him, arrived weary at the Jordan; and there he refreshed himself.

15 Now Ab'salom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahith'ophel with him.

16 And when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, came to Ab'salom, Hushai said to Ab'salom, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"

17 And Ab'salom said to Hushai, "Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?"

18 And Hushai said to Ab'salom, "No; for whom the LORD and this people and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain.