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Hushai

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What is the meaning of Hushai in the Bible?

Hushai, identified as an Archite, was a trusted advisor to King David who returned to Jerusalem to infiltrate Absalom's court during the rebellion. He successfully countered the strategic advice of Ahithophel by proposing a delayed military campaign, thereby buying David time to regroup and ultimately contributing to Absalom's defeat.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding Hushai's role clarifies the political maneuvering and intelligence operations described in the Davidic narratives, illustrating how personal loyalty and tactical deception influenced the succession crisis and the consolidation of David's monarchy.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Hushai reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Hushai in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Hushai clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Hushai." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/hushai/
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