2 Samuel 15:37
ESV
So Hushai, David 's friend, came into the city, just as Absalom was entering Jerusalem.
NIV
So Hushai, David’s confidant, arrived at Jerusalem as Absalom was entering the city.
NASB
So Hushai, David’s friend, came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.
CSB
So Hushai, David’s personal adviser, entered Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering the city.
NLT
So David’s friend Hushai returned to Jerusalem, getting there just as Absalom arrived.
KJV
So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.
NKJV
So Hushai, David’s friend, went into the city. And Absalom came into Jerusalem.
What does 2 Samuel 15:37 mean?
Absalom, David's newly reconciled son, began meeting with Israelites at the Jerusalem gates. Absalom would ask them where they were from and claimed David hadn't established judges for their tribe. But if he were king, he would obviously give them justice. It only took four years for Absalom to win the hearts of the nation, and he didn't even have to leave the city (2 Samuel 15:1–6).When he was ready, Absalom asked David if he could go to Hebron, his birthplace and the functional capital of Judah. David thought he was fulfilling a vow to God. But when Absalom got there, he sent messengers to tell all of Israel that he was now king (2 Samuel 15:7–12).
A messenger told David, and the king moved quickly. He got his servants and his personal guards out of the city. He left the priests as spies and their sons as messengers (2 Samuel 15:13–29).
On the way up the Mount of Olives, David meets his friend Hushai. The old man wants to join the exile, but David has a better idea and sends him to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:32–36). Hushai will convince Absalom that he's come to give counsel to the new king. He doesn't mention that it's bad counsel (2 Samuel 16:15–19). With the help of the priests, their sons, and two brave women, Hushai sends David a message, and the people make it to safety before Absalom attacks (2 Samuel 17).
