by David Scott Robertson
King David. One of the greatest earthly kings who ever ruled. Chosen by God, anointed by the prophet Samuel, David was destined by God to govern the twelve tribes of Israel.
King David had an unusual ability to surround himself with competent men of excellence to serve in various important capacities.
There were “David’s mighty men” – thirty of the most outstanding warriors in the entire kingdom (1 Chronicles 12:4). The first book of Chronicles (chapter 27) lists other important officials that David conscripted to help him reign effectively:
Azmaveth was in charge of the royal storehouses (v. 25);
Ezri was in charge of the field labor (v. 26);
Shimei was in charge of the vineyards (v. 27);
Baal-Hanan was in charge of the olive trees (v. 28);
Shitrai was in charge of the herds of cattle (v. 29);
Obil was in charge of the camels (v. 30)
Jehdeiah was in charge of the donkeys (v. 30);
Jaziz was in charge of the sheep (v. 31);
Jonathan, David’s uncle, was one of the king’s counselors (v. 32);
And Hushai the Arkite was the king’s friend (v. 33).
All these men (along with others I didn’t list) and their respective positions were vital to King David’s success in administering the affairs of his kingdom.
But I want to key in on one man listed in the Holy Scriptures whose job description is a bit vague – and that man is Hushai the Arkite – the king’s friend.
What does a friend of the king do? I’m sure King David had lots of “friends” who thought it politically correct to be in good standing with the king even thought they may have had no personal passion or investment in the man himself. Why do you suppose Hushai is mentioned by name and His “title” of friend specifically mentioned when listing David’s officials?
Could it be that David realized that he needed a man in his life whose sole purpose was to tell it to him straight? Did Hushai receive his official title as “the king’s friend” AFTER David’s affair with Bathsheba? Did David recognize his need for a man around him who wouldn’t be afraid to look him in the eyes and ask him “What are you doing?”
Hushai had proven his fidelity to David when David’s son Absalom rebelled and tried to usurp the king’s authority. David, on the run and fearing for his life, left the palace and headed up the Mount of Olives. It was here the king encountered his friend:
(2 Sam 15:32 NIV) When David arrived at the summit, where people used to worship God, Hushai the Arkite was there to meet him, his robe torn and dust on his head.
(2 Sam 15:33 NIV) David said to him, "If you go with me, you will be a burden to me.
(2 Sam 15:34 NIV) But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, 'I will be your servant, O king; I was your father's servant in the past, but now I will be your servant,' then you can help me by frustrating Ahithophel's advice.
And that’s exactly what Hushai did even though it put his life at severe risk.
(2 Sam 15:37 NIV) So David's friend Hushai arrived at Jerusalem as Absalom was entering the city.
(2 Sam 16:16 NIV) Then Hushai the Arkite, David's friend, went to Absalom and said to him, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"
(2 Sam 16:17 NIV) Absalom asked Hushai, "Is this the love you show your friend? Why didn't you go with your friend?"
Hushai was willing to die with or for David. It reminds me what Jesus taught when He declared:
(John 15:13 NIV) Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Hushai remained faithful to David during all aspects of his reign as King of Israel even when David was temporarily deposed. Apparently, this fidelity and faithfulness was so impressive to him that when God restored the kingdom back to David after Absalom was killed that David apparently installed Hushai the Arkite in the office of friend.
I may not have all the facts right and my insight is limited given the scriptures don’t offer an explanation of David’s peculiar job title.
But there’s something there! The Holy Spirit made certain you and I down the timeline of history would read about Hushai the Arkite – “the king’s friend” – and we would wonder.
All I know is I want to be faithful to all of my friends and most especially to my Friend that sticks closer than a brother, Jesus my Lord. To be called a friend by those I love and respect exceeds the benefits of carrying a lucrative title in any organization.
DSR
10/6/03