2 Samuel 16:15-22
16:16 a Long live the king! Hushai’s words were deliberately ambiguous. He was in fact an agent of the true king—David was truly “the man ... chosen by the Lord” (16:18 b). Hushai avoided using the king’s name, leading Absalom to believe that Hushai was loyal to him rather than to David.16:19 c why shouldn’t I serve you? (literally and second, to whom will I do service? Not before his son?): The ambiguous language continues. Hushai phrased his profession of loyalty as a question rather than as a commitment. His intent, lost on Absalom, was to serve David while fooling Absalom into thinking that he had changed sides. Similarly, just as I was your father’s adviser, now I will be your adviser! is literally, as I served before your father, so I will [serve your father] before you.
16:21 d Go and sleep with your father’s concubines: A usurper took a predecessor’s harem to assert or strengthen his claim to the throne (see 3:7 e). Absalom’s action was in violation of Deut 22:30 f.
16:22 g Absalom intended to show the people that he had assumed the throne with its royal prerogatives. His shameful act echoed David’s adultery with Bathsheba, which also began on that roof (11:2-4 h); the episode fulfilled Nathan’s prophecy (12:11-12 i).
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