2 Samuel 17:15
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What's so striking here is Hushai's immediate, almost casual, sharing of Ahithophel's secret plan with the priests. This wasn't just gossip; it was a vital piece of intelligence, demonstrating Hushai's deep trust in Zadok and Abiathar as fellow loyalists who could act on this dangerous information swiftly.
Then Hushai said to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, “Thus and so did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel, and thus and so have I counseled.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Absalom has just rebelled against his father David, and the brilliant advisor Ahithophel has sided with Absalom, proposing a brutal strategy to eliminate David immediately. This verse captures the moment when David's loyal spy, Hushai, relays Ahithophel's dangerous counsel to the priests, setting the stage for Hushai to offer counter-advice that will save David's life. The following verses show Hushai's clever plan to sow discord and delay Absalom's pursuit.
Hushai is in a serious bind, caught between King David and the rebel Absalom. How does he navigate this dangerous situation without getting caught?
Hushai's strategy here is incredible. He's acting as a double agent, seemingly loyal to Absalom while secretly working for David.
The Art of Deception
He doesn't just say 'I told them X.' He emphasizes how he told them: 'Thus and so did Ahithophel counsel... and thus and so have I counseled.' This phrasing implies a detailed, perhaps even contradictory, report. He's subtly undermining Ahithophel's advice by presenting his own as a counterpoint. This isn't just lying; it's a calculated move to sow doubt and buy time.
Strategic Counsel
His goal isn't to win Absalom over with his own advice, but to expose the danger of Ahithophel's specific plan. By reporting both counsels, he gives the priests (and thus David) crucial intelligence about the immediate threat and his own counter-strategy. This is information warfare at its finest.
Hushai's report isn't just gossip; it's vital intel. What makes his message so critical for David's survival?
This verse is a turning point because Hushai is passing critical, time-sensitive information to David's allies, Zadok and Abiathar.
The Priests as Messengers
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Zadok and Abiathar are David's eyes and ears within Jerusalem, positioned to relay Hushai's message safely to David. Their role as priests grants them a level of access and perceived neutrality that allows them to move discreetly.
The Immediate Threat
Hushai's report reveals Ahithophel's specific, deadly plan to pursue David immediately. This is the kind of intelligence that can mean the difference between life and death. Knowing Ahithophel's counsel allows David to prepare, to escape, and to ultimately counter the rebellion.
Understand the original words
kohen · Hebrew Noun
Men set apart by God for holy service, responsible for offering sacrifices and representing the people before God. They acted as intermediaries and often possessed significant political influence within Israel.
c. 1010 BC
David's Reign Begins
David is anointed king over Judah and later all Israel, ushering in a golden age for the nation.
c. 1002 BC
Absalom's Rebellion Begins
Absalom, David's son, begins a cunning and popular movement to usurp the throne from his father, David.
c. 1002 BC
David Flees Jerusalem
Facing the overwhelming rebellion, David and his loyal followers abandon Jerusalem to escape Absalom's forces.
c. 1002 BC
Ahithophel Joins Absalom
Ahithophel, a highly respected counselor to David, defects and advises Absalom, providing crucial strategic support.
c. 1002 BC— this verse
Hushai Infiltrates Absalom's Court
David's loyal spy, Hushai, is sent by David to join Absalom's ranks and counter Ahithophel's counsel.
c. 1002 BC
Hushai Counters Ahithophel
Hushai cleverly advises Absalom against Ahithophel's deadly military strategy, saving David's life and the loyalist army.
c. 1002 BC
Ahithophel's Suicide
Realizing his counsel has been rejected and Absalom's cause is doomed, Ahithophel goes home and hangs himself.
This passage shows Zadok and Abiathar's crucial role in discerning and acting upon wise counsel, mirroring their involvement here with Hushai's intelligence.
Proverbs 11:14It highlights the value of multiple counselors, a principle that Absalom tragically ignored by not heeding Hushai's deeper, God-honoring advice over Ahithophel's.
Jeremiah 23:16-17This prophetic warning against listening to deceptive counsel echoes the danger Absalom faced by accepting Ahithophel's plan, which was ultimately destructive.
Acts 5:3-4Ananias and Sapphira's deception is judged as lying to the Holy Spirit; similarly, Hushai's counsel, though deceptive to Absalom, was intended to uphold God's will.
What's so striking here is Hushai's immediate, almost casual, sharing of Ahithophel's secret plan with the priests. This wasn't just gossip; it was a vital piece of intelligence, demonstrating Hushai's deep trust in Zadok and Abiathar as fellow loyalists who could act on this dangerous information swiftly.
Absalom has just rebelled against his father David, and the brilliant advisor Ahithophel has sided with Absalom, proposing a brutal strategy to eliminate David immediately. This verse captures the moment when David's loyal spy, Hushai, relays Ahithophel's dangerous counsel to the priests, setting the stage for Hushai to offer counter-advice that will save David's life. The following verses show Hushai's clever plan to sow discord and delay Absalom's pursuit.
Absalom has just rebelled against his father David, and the brilliant advisor Ahithophel has sided with Absalom, proposing a brutal strategy to eliminate David immediately. This verse captures the moment when David's loyal spy, Hushai, relays Ahithophel's dangerous counsel to the priests, setting the stage for Hushai to offer counter-advice that will save David's life. The following verses show Hushai's clever plan to sow discord and delay Absalom's pursuit.
"Then Hushai said to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, “Thus and so did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel, and thus and so have I counseled." — What's so striking here is Hushai's immediate, almost casual, sharing of Ahithophel's secret plan with the priests. This wasn't just gossip; it was a vital piece of intelligence, demonstrating Hushai…
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Last reviewed October 2026
