2 Samuel 16:16

16 And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, [Long] live the king, [Long] live the king.

2 Samuel 16:16 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 16:16

And it came to pass that when Hushai the Archite, David's
friend, was come unto Absalom
Who came into Jerusalem at the same time that Absalom did, and who, no doubt, took the first opportunity to make his court to him, ( 2 Samuel 15:37 ) ;

that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king;
or "may the king live" ^F3, live long, and his kingdom be permanent; these words are very ambiguous, he might mean David, who was true and lawful king, though he would have them understood of Absalom, who was king by usurpation, in which he used great deceit and flattery; and that he might not be suspected of it, but be thought to be sincere and truly loyal to Absalom, he repeats the wish.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F3 (Klmh yxy) "vivat rex", Pagninus. Montanus

2 Samuel 16:16 In-Context

14 And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary; and he refreshed himself there.

15 And Absalom, and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.

16 And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, [Long] live the king, [Long] live the king.

17 And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?

18 And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom Jehovah, and this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I be, and with him will I abide.