2 Samuel 16:18
2 Samuel 16:18 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Hushai answers ambiguously that he will follow the one God and Israel choose.
What Does 2 Samuel 16:18 Mean?
Hushai replies that he will belong to the one whom the Lord and all the people of Israel choose, and with him he will remain. The words sound like submission to Absalom.
Yet every phrase is carefully true, for Hushai believes the Lord's chosen king is David. His answer is a masterpiece of guarded speech, saying nothing false while concealing his true allegiance. The episode shows how wisdom may navigate a deadly moment, while leaving the reader to ponder where genuine, God-given kingship truly rests.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 16:18
What does 2 Samuel 16:18 mean?
Hushai answers ambiguously that he will follow the one God and Israel choose.