What a Strange Name!

Read: 2 Samuel 15:32-37; Genesis 15:6; John 15:14-15; Daniel 2:44

Lesser-known Bible characters. They're kind of fun to look at sometimes. For example, there is one lesser known man in scriptures whose name always makes me smile. In fact, his name should be used instead of cheese to help someone smile during picture taking time. Who is he? He's Hushai the Arkite. No, he wasn't a stowaway on the Ark with Noah. Did you smile when you said Hushai? I did!

There aren't many verses about him, but there is one sweet truth that sums them all up.

Hushai was King David's friend. What a title to have. To be the king's friend, 2 Samuel 15:37. In 2 Samuel 15:32-37, we first meet Hushai. King David was fleeing from his son Absalom who had betrayed him and would likely have killed him if given the chance. We can only imagine the grief David felt as he wept and left Jerusalem. Enter Hushai who wanted to stand with David by going with him. Wherever that might lead them. The gracious and strong response of a friend when the one who means so much to him is in peril and is experiencing brokenness.

David's response is interesting. He told his friend that if he were to accompany them as they were fleeing, Hushai would be a burden to him. Not a slam. David simply had a better plan that would involve his friend. So, instead, he asked his friend to return to Jerusalem to discover what he could about Absalom's next steps. He would pretend to be loyal to the one who had stolen the hearts of David's subjects. Basically, working under cover for his friend rather than staying with him and merely providing moral support. Hushai didn't become hurt or argue with his friend; instead, he did what David thought would be most helpful. He returned to Jerusalem, and he was part of the solution that resulted in David's once again taking back his throne. Hushai surely walked out the scripture found in Proverbs 17:17. A friend loves at all times. Surely, love is expressed in a myriad of ways as we see in Hushai's life!

In the Bible, we meet someone else who is known to be the friend of a king. Not an earthly king this time, rather the King of Kings! What an honor for Abraham to be called God's friend, Isaiah 41:8; 2 Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23. Like Hushai, Abraham showed his love for his King by obeying and trusting Him. When we are first introduced to Abraham in Genesis 12, God had told him to leave his people and his familiar place. Along with this directive, Abraham received promises, Genesis 12:1-3. Promises that, in the natural were impossibilities. Although Abraham's faith was sometimes incomplete, Romans 4:17-21 reminds us that he took God at His Word. He trusted his friend and believed what He said, Genesis 15:6. Even though Abraham and Sarah were well past the age of child bearing, Abraham held on to the truth that God was able to do what He had promised.

Let's end today by looking at another sweet friendship found in the Bible. This one is for us, and it involves a Friend greater and more loyal than Hushai. It is Jesus. He is the One Who calls us His friends! Because we have come into a relationship with Him by resting in His grace alone for salvation. We obeyed Him and trusted Him, and day by day, we are learning to trust Him more and more. We are the friends of the One Who laid down His life for us, and He has not hidden His plan from us, John 15:14-15. No wonder many love the song, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus! All Our Sins And Griefs To Bear!”

We are friends of the King Whose kingdom will never end, Daniel 2:44