2Sa 16:19 | TNotes | STEP | 16:19 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.

‏ 2 Samuel 16:19

16:19 ^a 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.