2 Samuel 16:17

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:15-23

Absalom had notice sent him speedily by some of his friends at Jerusalem that David had withdrawn, and with what a small retinue he had gone; so that the coasts were clear, Absalom might take possession of Jerusalem when he pleased. The gates were open, and there was none to oppose him. Accordingly he came without delay (2 Sam. 16:15), extremely elevated, no doubt, with this success at first, and that that in which, when he formed his design, he probably apprehended the greatest difficulty,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:17

And Absalom said to Hushai, is this thy kindness to thy friend ?.... Meaning to David; though he would not mention his name, nor his title, nor even the relation of a father he stood in to him, only speaks of him as Hushai's friend: Hushai had professed great friendship to David, and David had been a friend to Hushai, had raised him to great honour in making him a counsellor, and had bestowed many favours and benefits on him, as Absalom knew full well; and therefore, to try his integrity,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:15-19

( JERUSALEM .) An inconsistent friend. "Is this thy kindness to thy friend?" ( 2 Samuel 16:17 ; 2 Samuel 15:37 ). On his unresisted and triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, Absalom was met by Hushai with the exclamation, "Long live the king!" ( 1 Samuel 10:24 ). Such a display of loyalty to himself on the part of "David's friend" (companion, favourite) appeared to him so inconsistent that he asked, in ironical astonishment, "Is this," etc.? "One might have said to him, 'Is this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:15-23

Illustrations of facts and principles. The facts are: 1 . Absalom enters Jerusalem with his adherents and Ahithophel. 2 . Hushai presents himself before Absalom, with a salutation in ambiguous language. 3 . On Absalom expressing surprise that he had not gone with David, he, with studied caution, expresses his readiness to serve whom the Lord and all the men of Israel might choose, and further declares his intention to "serve" in the son's presence as he had in the father's. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:17

Is this thy kindness to thy friend? After carrying the king to Ayephim, on the banks of the Jordan, the narrator now turns back to Absalom, because David was to wait at the caravanserai for news from Jerusalem. And immediately on his arrival, Hushai hastens into Absalom's presence, loudly exclaiming, "Long live the king!" for such is the meaning of the Hebrew. The young man is surprised; for Hushai was David's friend and trusted confidant. Yet he does not suspect this sudden breaking of old... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:17

Unfaithful friends. Bad men may and often do see and reprove in others the baseness they are themselves practising, and thus unconsciously condemn themselves. Absalom reproves his father's friend Hushai for supposed unkindness and unfaithfulness to him, while he himself, not merely a friend, but a fondly loved son, was usurping his father's throne, and ready to take away his life (see 2 Samuel 17:2 , 2 Samuel 17:4 ). Nevertheless, the sentiment which underlies his remonstrance is just,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 16:17

2 Samuel 16:17. Is this thy kindness to thy friend? Doth this action answer that profession of friendship which thou hast hitherto made to him? He speaks thus only to try him. He does not say, To my father, for that question would have reflected a heavier reproach upon himself, who had forsaken not only a friend, but his own father, and even forced him away. Or, perhaps, by saying, Thy friend, he meant to insinuate, that David was a friend to Hushai, and to strangers, but not to his own... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 16:1-23

Apparent success of the revolt (16:1-23)As David left Jerusalem, Ziba (whom David had appointed to manage the property of Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth; see 9:9-13) took the opportunity to win David’s favour by bringing him food and animals to assist his escape. Ziba then told David that Mephibosheth was a traitor who was planning to seize the throne for himself. As a result David took away Mephibosheth’s property and gave it to Ziba, though later events showed there was some doubt whether... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Samuel 16:5-22

2 Samuel 16:5-12. When king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out—Shimei—and cursed.— This vile and calumnious treatment of Shimei was one of the severest trials of patience that ever human magnanimity endured. The accusation, 2Sa 16:8 was notoriously false, and the king for that reason could bear it the better. But his servants saw it not in the light of their master's equanimity, but of his enemy's insolence. Abishai, David's nephew, could not bear it, but begged the king's... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Samuel 16:15-29

The counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai 16:15-17:29This is the central unit of chapters 5-20, and its central focus is the judgment that Hushai’s advice was better than Ahithophel’s (2 Samuel 17:14). This advice is the pivot on which the fortunes of David turned in his dealings with Absalom.Hushai was loyal to David primarily because David was the Lord’s anointed (2 Samuel 16:18). His words to Absalom implied that he was supporting the revolution, but everything that Hushai said could have been... read more

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