CHUSAI (CBR. HÁŠAJ)

CHUSAI (Hebr. Hushai). — Arachna (2 Sam 14:32; 17:5, 14), a close friend and intimate counsellor of David (2 Sam 15:37; 16:16), in whom he reposed full trust and to whom he rendered devoted service. When he offered to follow David in flight before Absalom, he was not accepted because of his advanced age; however, he was advised to enter the city to side with the rebel and, through his sagacity, frustrate the plans of the traitor Ahithophel, whose skill David greatly feared. Indeed, Hushai kept David informed of the course of events in Jerusalem and persuaded Absalom, against Ahithophel’s advice, to delay the pursuit of his father. Thus he enabled the king to take appropriate measures, saving his life and his kingdom (2 Sam 17:1–14). Hushai is probably to be identified with the father of Baana, one of Solomon’s prefects (1 Kgs 4:16).