Gospel Reflections #1104: A Friend From God

2 Samuel 15:32 ‘When he reached the high place where people worshipped God, Hushai the Arkite came out to meet David. His robe was torn, and he had dust on his head.’

This scene depicts the answer to a prayer offered from the depths of despair, when the loyal subject Hushai appeared before King David—who had been driven from the capital by his son’s rebellion—as a saviour (provided by God).

Just moments earlier (verse 31), David had learnt that Ahithophel, a wise counsellor in whom he had placed his trust, had defected to the rebel forces (Absalom).

In despair, David was climbing the Mount of Olives, praying to God, ‘Make Ahithophel’s counsel foolish.’

The phrase ‘when he reached the summit’ in verse 32 indicates that God answered David’s prayer immediately.

God had prepared Hushai to be at that very spot as a man of wisdom capable of countering Ahithophel.

This event took place on ‘the summit of the mountain (the Mount of Olives)’, which was a ‘place of worship’.

Although David had been forced into a miserable exile as a consequence of his sins (his past adultery and murder), he did not abandon his worship of and trust in God.

Herein lies a spiritual lesson: it is precisely in the very place where one worships God and offers prayer in the midst of suffering that the path to salvation is opened.

Hushai appeared ‘with his robe torn and dust upon his head’.

In Israel at that time, this was a sign of deep sorrow or mourning.

He grieved for the suffering of the fallen King David as if it were his own, and came to demonstrate his loyalty to David without regard for his own life.

 Even in the worst of circumstances, God has already prepared a ‘way of escape’ alongside our prayers.

It is precisely when we are at rock bottom that it is vital to remain in the place where we worship God.

It also teaches us the value of a true friend (like Hushai) who weeps with us in our suffering (by tearing his robe) and stands by our side.

Our God is with us and knows all our needs.

God answers our prayers at the most opportune time; He does not force us to fight our battles alone, but provides us with the help we need. He pours out His unchanging love upon us so that our faith and hope may never fail.

AUTHOR'S BIO: This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, who resides in Hiroshima, Japan. Masae is a dedicated student of the Bible with a deep passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on Gospel perspectives to reach out to others and spread the message of God's true love through a Christ-centered approach. We are sharing her insights here so that you, too, can experience the joy that comes from knowing and understanding the true Gospel and the love of God through Jesus Christ.