CHUSAI (Heb. Ḥúšaj). — An Arachite (II Sam. 14:32; 17:5, 14), friend and intimate counselor of David (II Sam. 15:37; 16:16), in whom he enjoyed full confidence and whom he served with complete devotion. Having offered to follow David in his flight from Absalom, he was not accepted, given his advanced age; but he was advised to enter the city, to place himself alongside the rebel and, through his shrewdness, thwart the plans of the traitor Achitophel (II Sam. 15:31–37), whose skill David greatly feared. Indeed, C. kept David informed of the course of events in Jerusalem and induced Absalom, against Achitophel’s advice, to postpone the pursuit of his father. He thus gave the king time to take appropriate measures, saving his life and kingdom (II Sam. 17:1–14). C. is probably to be identified with the father of Baana, one of Solomon’s prefects (I Kings 4:16).
Chusai (Heb. Ḥúšaj)
Cite this article
“CHUSAI (EBR. ḤÚŠAJ).” Enciclopedia Cattolica, vol. III (1949), p. 914. Azione Romana digital edition, https://azioneromana.com/article/chusai-ebr-husaj.