The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 17:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

But Absalom said: Call Chusai the Arachite, and let us hear what he also saith.

Douay-Rheims

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם קְרָ֣א נָ֔א גַּ֖ם לְחוּשַׁ֣י הָאַרְכִּ֑י וְנִשְׁמְעָ֥ה מַה־בְּפִ֖יו גַּם־הֽוּא׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

Hushai, displaying no embarrassment or fear, responded, "When God supported him, I was loyal to him; now that He stands with you, it is only right that I serve you." This statement flattered the tyrant and fueled his arrogance. Without thoroughly assessing the situation—since a man of leisure tends to accept every word as truth, as was evident with him—he quickly befriended Hushai and considered him among his closest allies. All this was orchestrated by God, who was present and guiding the course of events. Upon hearing this, the tyrant summoned Hushai, who had insincerely aligned with him, and invited him to join the deliberation.

Read more (47 words)

Although it might seem improper for one newly arrived to receive such honor and trust in discussions of great importance, divine providence made the difficult simple; thus, he called Hushai, granted him the right to cast a vote, and sought his counsel regarding the matters at hand.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.