THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
We ought to be sufficiently familiar with the Scriptures and historical accounts such that we do not need to analyze them in depth. However, due to the distractions of worldly concerns and indifference among some, it is essential to explore the themes of this psalm further. Thus, I urge you to pay close attention. What is this psalm about? It is addressed to David and sung to the Lord. Another interpreter (Aquila) refers to it as a psalm of ignorance for David (ψαλμμός ύπερ άγνοίας τω). A third source (Symmachus) mentions ignorance concerning David (άγννόημ τω Δαυίδ), while Aquila uses the term the Ethiopian instead of Husius. The current discussion remains unclear because of a lack of understanding of the background.
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Since our goal includes both correction and instruction, it is crucial to recount the event in detail.
First, let’s consider who Hushai, the son of the Jemenite, was and the message that prompted David’s psalm of praise to God. David had a son named Absalom, a defiant and reckless youth who rebelled against his father. He expelled David from his throne and claimed dominion over the realm, disregarding his lineage, upbringing, age, and all that had transpired beforehand. His insatiable desire for power led him to act more like a wild beast than a human, trampling on the very principles of nature and spreading chaos and fear. During this upheaval, the tenets of nature, societal norms, reverence for God, human compassion, and gratitude for one’s upbringing were all cast aside.
If he would not honor David as his father, he should have respected him for his age; if that respect was lacking, he should have regarded him as a benefactor; and even if this were not the case, he ought to have acknowledged that he had received no wrong from David. Yet overwhelmed by his ambition, he cast aside all sense of propriety and decency. As the noble David wandered as a fugitive in the wilderness, enduring the trials of exile, Absalom reveled in the privileges of kingship.
At such a time, as the armies rallied to Absalom and the cities submitted to this usurper, a man named Hushai, devoted and honorable, remained steadfast in his loyalty to David, regardless of the changing tides. Upon witnessing David’s plight, he tore his garments, covered himself with ashes, and wept deeply, expressing his sorrow through his tears. Hushai was not a fair-weather friend who aligned himself with those in power; he championed virtue, and thus his loyalty did not falter despite the turmoil. Recognizing Hushai’s heartfelt solidarity, David acknowledged his sincerity but emphasized the necessity of strategizing to navigate their dire situation.
David instructed Hushai to approach Absalom under pretense of loyalty, to discern his plans, and to render the counsel of Ahithophel ineffective. Ahithophel was well-versed in warfare and held considerable influence over Absalom, causing David great concern over his formidable capabilities. Accepting David’s counsel, Hushai set out, undeterred by any cowardice or dishonor that such an undertaking might imply. He placed his trust in God, ready to face potential dangers.
I recount all of this not merely to commend David but to highlight the afflictions he endured and the valuable lessons to be gained from this narrative. Questions often arise about why the righteous endure hardship while the wicked exist in ease. This scenario illustrates that the righteous may suffer grievously while the unjust thrive. Nonetheless, neither party's condition ultimately defines their worth, for the righteous are refined by suffering, akin to gold in a furnace.
From this, we learn several truths: first, do not let such tribulations trouble you, especially when they befall the righteous; second, maintain steadfastness in friendships despite changing circumstances; third, be courageous in facing dangers for the sake of virtue; and fourth, amid adversity, cling to hope, awaiting divine assistance. Hushai did not allow the sight of Absalom's forces or the tyrant’s might to dissuade him; instead, he focused solely on God’s unyielding support and His favor, reasoning that the opposing side was unjust while he upheld what was right.
Thus, positioned not among the multitude, but within the sanctum of virtue, Hushai became a recipient of God’s grace. I share this so that we may stand in solidarity with the righteous, however weak they may appear, and disassociate ourselves from the wicked, however powerful they may seem. For while vice may gather the world on its side, it is the weakest of all; yet virtue, even in solitude, stands the strongest, bolstered by God. Indeed, who can save anyone against whom God acts? Who can undo the one whom God supports?
With this understanding and unwavering hope, Hushai proceeded to fulfill his mission, and upon encountering Absalom, he approached him without fear. The tyrant, blinded by his power, dismissed any suspicion and derisively questioned Hushai: “Why did you not go with your friend?” (2 Kings 16:17), failing to even mention David’s name in his disdain. Hushai, unfazed, replied, “When God was with him, I was on his side; but now that He is with you, I shall serve you.” This response flattered the pride of Absalom, enabling Hushai to gain favor quickly.
Thus did God orchestrate the course of events. When a council was convened to deliberate war strategies, various opinions were proposed regarding an immediate attack or a more patient approach. Ahithophel, ever the shrewd advisor, suggested striking while David was weary and demoralized. However, Absalom sought Hushai's counsel, despite his recent appearance, and, as I previously noted, God can turn the seemingly impossible into the plausible.
Without outright denying Ahithophel's wisdom, Hushai acknowledged it but crafted a counter-argument by expressing astonishment at the current counsel’s lack of effectiveness. He warned that an immediate assault would provoke David, causing him to fight fiercely for his life, whereas a delay would allow a more strategic attack. Absalom accepted this reasoning, viewing it as more advantageous. Meanwhile, Hushai’s true intent was to provide David with time to regroup and gather allies.
Ultimately, Hushai managed to inform David of the tyrant’s plans, ensuring that David could prepare accordingly, which led to Absalom’s defeat. Ahithophel, realizing the ramifications of his advice and the danger it posed to Absalom, could not bear the disgrace and tragically took his own life.
Having learned these events, David composed this psalm, giving expression to his gratitude to God and attributing his triumph to divine intervention. He begins with, “O Lord my God, in Thee I put my trust.”