A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. while at a gospel meeting. The preacher at the congregation took to me to D.C. and we had a great time there. One of the places we visited was the spy museum. All the tickets were sold out for that day, so we were only able to look around in the bookstore.
While checking out some of the books, the preached said, “I wonder if they have any book on Hushai the Archite.” The name didn’t register with me and so I asked “Who?”
He replied, “The story of Hushai the Archite from 2 Samuel.” He then launched into how the CIA used the story of what Hushai did for King David when Absalom, David’s son was seeking to kill him. The story is found in 2 Samuel 15-17. The CIA released some documents in 1996 describing Hushai as one of the first agents of influence. His story and how he persuaded Absalom to listen to him instead of the wisdom of Ahithophel has been used to teach new agents the art of persuasion for years to new CIA agents.
Do you know the story? Let’s summarize a few thoughts.
1. 2 Samuel 15: Absalom has plotted against his father David. He sought to “Steal away the hearts of the men of Israel.” 2 Samuel 15:6
2. 2 Samuel 15:10: “Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, ‘As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, ‘Absalom is king in Hebron.’”
3. 2 Samuel 15:12: Absalom got David’s counselor Ahithophel the Gilonite to assist him as well. “And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city Giloh, while he was offering the sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong, for the people increased continually with Absalom.”
4. 2 Samuel 15:13: David found out that “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” As a result of this David, his servants, and his household had to flee. It was a sad day for the king as there was great weeping with a loud voice as they departed and made their way to the wilderness, 2 Samuel 15:23. It appears that Psalm 63, is in connection with this event as well.
David’s request to the LORD was to make Ahithophel’s counsel to become foolishness, 2 Samuel 15:31. His prayer would be answered! This is when Hushai comes into the picture, 2 Samuel 15:32-37. I find it interesting that right after praying, that David meets Hushai. David asks Hushai to go to Absalom and see if he could thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for him, 2 Samuel 15:34. In verse 37, it says, “So Hushai, David’s friend, came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.”
It's in 2 Samuel 17 where we see the bravery, courage, and influence of Hushai. He’s able to convince Absalom not to listen to the wisdom of Ahithophel, 2 Samuel 17:7. Hushai plays to the ego and emotions of Absalom. As a result, Ahithophel leaves and commits suicide because he knows the Absalom and his men will fail. David’s prayer is answered by God. It says in 2 Samuel 17:14: “Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, ‘The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.’ For the LORD had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the LORD might bring calamity on Absalom.” Calamity would come Absalom’s way! He eventually died in battle a terrible death.
This story is interesting on so many levels. One thought for us is to ask ourselves, “How far will we go for our King: Jesus?
1. Hushai put his life on the line for King David. What are we willing to sacrifice for our king? We are to be dead to sin and alive to Christ, Romans 6:11.
2. Hushai demonstrated his allegiance to his King. How far are we willing to go to demonstrate our allegiance to our King Jesus?
3. Hushai was willing to speak up on behalf of his king. How willing are we to speak and share the good news of our King?
Let’s go all the way for King Jesus! Let’s be dedicated in our service to Him.
Comments