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H757 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אַרְכִּי
ʾArkiy
Adjective / Gentillic
Archite

Definition

The term Archite designates a person from Erech or from Arki — a region whose inhabitants had settled in Canaan, specifically in the territory of Ephraim near Bethel. The most famous Archite in Scripture is Hushai, David's loyal friend and counselor.

Usage & Theological Significance

Hushai the Archite is one of Scripture's most remarkable examples of courageous political loyalty. When Absalom seized Jerusalem, David sent Hushai back as a spy with a nearly suicidal mission: infiltrate Absalom's court and undermine Ahithophel's counsel. Hushai succeeded masterfully, buying David the time needed to escape and regroup. His story illustrates that godly wisdom sometimes requires strategic sacrifice and calculated risk in service of righteous authority.

Key Bible Verses

2 Samuel 15:32 When David came to the summit... behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat torn.
2 Samuel 16:16 And when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, came to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, 'Long live the king!'
2 Samuel 17:14 And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, 'The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.'
1 Chronicles 27:33 Hushai the Archite was the king's friend.
Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Related Words

External Resources

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