Bible Dictionaries
Hushai

Holman Bible Dictionary

(hyoo' sshi) Personal name meaning, “quick,” “from Hushah,” or “gift of brotherhood.” The name could represent copying transposition from an original Shuah. See Joshua 16:2 ). Hushai was “David's friend” (2 Samuel 15:37 ), probably referring to an official government post as in Egypt, a close personal adviser somewhat like the secretary of state. As David escaped, leaving Jerusalem to his son Absalom, Hushai joined him, mourning (2 Samuel 15:32 ). David sent him back to deceive Absalom (2 Samuel 15:34; 2 Samuel 16:16-19 ). His counsel to Absalom bought time for David to establish new headquarters and gather forces for new strategy (2 Samuel 17:1 ).

Solomon's commissioner in charge of collecting royal provisions in Asher was the son of Hushai, perhaps the same as “David's friend” (1 Kings 4:16 ).