The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 17:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And when Chusai was come to Absalom, Absalom said to him: Achitophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do it or not? what counsel dost thou give?

Douay-Rheims

וַיָּבֹ֣א חוּשַׁי֮ אֶל־אַבְשָׁלוֹם֒ וַיֹּאמֶר֩ אַבְשָׁל֨וֹם אֵלָ֜יו לֵאמֹ֗ר כַּדָּבָ֤ר הַזֶּה֙ דִּבֶּ֣ר אֲחִיתֹ֔פֶל הֲנַעֲשֶׂ֖ה אֶת־דְּבָר֑וֹ אִם־אַ֖יִן אַתָּ֥ה דַבֵּֽר׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

With confidence and without any sense of shame, Hushai declared, “When God was with him, I supported him; now that He is with you, it is right for me to serve you.” This statement flattered the proud ruler and fed his arrogance. He, without careful consideration—since a complacent individual tends to accept every word that pleases him—quickly elevated Hushai to the status of an intimate companion, counting him among his closest allies. All of this was orchestrated by God, who was actively overseeing the unfolding events.

Read more (77 words)

Upon receiving this news, the ruler summoned Hushai, who had insincerely aligned himself with him, and invited him to participate in the discussion. It might seem illogical by human standards to bestow such trust and honor upon someone who had only recently appeared; yet, as noted before, when God is at work, what seems difficult can become straightforward. Thus, the ruler invited Hushai to cast his vote and share his thoughts on the important matters at hand.