2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 17:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The name son of Jemenei can be interpreted as ‘son of the right hand.’ When Ahithophel recommended an immediate assault on David, who was unprepared for conflict, Hushai rejected this counsel, understanding that doing so might invite disaster upon Absalom, as suggested in the Scriptures. He aimed to convince them of the advantage of postponement, thereby allowing David to regain strength. His strategic thinking also pleased Absalom, who declared that "the counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel" (2 Samuel 17:14). Meanwhile, through the priests Zadok and Abiathar, Hushai warned David of Absalom’s intentions, advising him not to spend the night in the wilderness of Aravoth but to cross over swiftly. By offering this wise counsel, he became a crucial ally to David and earned the title that reflects his courageous actions. Therefore, he is referred to as the son of Jemeneh, meaning ‘the son of the right hand.’ In Scripture, it is often the case that those who are wicked are named more often by their sins than by their fathers, while the virtuous are distinguished by the qualities that define them.