HUSHAI (
):
Companion of David, generally called the Archite. When David was pursued by Absalom he sent Hushai to frustrate Absalom's plans. Hushai pretended adherence to the cause of Absalom, and his advice, preferred to that of Ahithophel, caused the ruin of Absalom (II Sam. xv. 32-34, xvi. 16-18 et seq.). The Hushai whose son was one of Solomon's commissaries (I Kings iv. 16) is to be identified with David's companion.
