2 Samuel 17:5
ESV
Then Absalom said, "Call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear what he has to say."
NIV
But Absalom said, "Summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he has to say as well."
NASB
Nevertheless, Absalom said, 'Now call Hushai the Archite also, and let’s hear what he has to say.'
CSB
Then Absalom said, "Summon Hushai the Archite also. Let’s hear what he has to say as well."
NLT
But then Absalom said, 'Bring in Hushai the Arkite. Let’s see what he thinks about this.'
KJV
Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.
NKJV
Then Absalom said, “Now call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear what he says too.”
What does 2 Samuel 17:5 mean?
When he heard that his son won over many in Israel and was marching on Jerusalem, David was heartbroken (2 Samuel 15:1, 30). When he heard that his trusted advisor Ahithophel had fallen in with Absalom, he knew the situation was dire. If his foolish son were wise enough to seek counsel from one of Israel's wisest men, there was a chance he'd succeed. Even David took Ahithophel's advice as if he spoke God's own truth (2 Samuel 16:23). So, David prayed, "O Lord, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness" (2 Samuel 11:31).To consolidate Absalom's hold on his followers, Ahithophel told him to sleep with David's concubines. It created a permanent rift between father and son, and showed the people that Absalom was serious about being king (2 Samuel 16:20–22). Now, Ahithophel wants to solidify Absalom's reign by killing David, and David alone. He's asked to track down David and his servants, kill the king, and bring the others back to Jerusalem to swear their allegiance to Absalom (2 Samuel 17:1–3). The plan is almost obvious, and Absalom's forces are planning to follow it.
But Ahithophel isn't Absalom's only counselor. Soon after David learned Ahithophel had joined Absalom's rebellion, David met his old friend Hushai. Under David's instruction, Hushai went to Absalom's court and swore to serve him (2 Samuel 15:32–37; 16:15–19). Absalom and the elders like Ahithophel's plan, but Absalom wants to make sure. So, he calls on Hushai (2 Samuel 17:4).
This is the moment David planned for. Hushai plays both on Absalom's fears and his vanity. He says David and his men are too experienced and enraged to go down easily. Absalom needs to gather a larger army and lead them himself. Only then will he be able to destroy David (2 Samuel 17:6–13).
Absalom and his men agree with Hushai. Ironically, it's the poorer plan. But it's God's plan that David and his men will destroy Absalom and Ahithophel. That starts with David having enough time to get his people into safety and regroup (2 Samuel 17:14, 21–22).
