Bible Strands
2 Samuel 16:18
“Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by this people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Hushai addresses Absalom directly during the political crisis of David’s flight from Jerusalem. His reply follows Absalom’s challenge regarding Hushai’s loyalty to the deposed king.
The words — The Hebrew בָּחַר (ba.Char) translates literally to “he has chosen,” and אֲשֶׁר (a.Sher) means “the one whom.” These terms anchor Hushai’s declaration in the act of selection rather than personal preference.
The thread — The theme of divine and popular choice for David runs through 1 Samuel 16:13 and 2 Samuel 5:1. These passages establish the precedent that the king’s authority derives from God and the collective will of Israel.
Why it lands — The text demands that a reader align their allegiance with the leader God and the community have appointed. It requires choosing fidelity to that selection over immediate political convenience or fear.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the Lord, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.
Cross-references
- 1 Samuel 16:13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.
- 2 Samuel 5:1 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood.