DOWN at the foot of Olive, a man had just joined the travellers from the capital. The wandering crowd were camping around the mountain foot that night, quietly waiting for their king to return.
But when the monarch finally arrived, he met a loud cry by a lone voice. It was the voice of that man who just joined them.
Indeed, the travellers who were resting from the stress of a long journey, were already drained of all tears as it were.
And so was their returning king. He was tired of sobbing. As a matter of fact, he was returning to them with a renewed countenance.
Yet again, here was this newcomer whose belated concern had just taken on a louder pitch as David returned.
But no one made an effort to still him; for he was the king’s dear friend. His name was Hushai.
King David looked down as he came to ground. And there ahead of him was Hushai, running towards him with the sobs of a little child.
Hushai was a friend on whom the king had leaned on a hundred times. He was that sort of friend people call loyal. So David saw through him and knew that his tears were sincere.
Now the king walked to his friend and simply patted him on the back, trying all the way to still him. To quiet his belated cries.
Just then, while Hushai wept in David’s comforting arms, the latter realized something. He realized there was yet something decisive to give away. Nay, to plant in the enemy’s camp.
Indeed, David had sent back the Ark of God to Jerusalem, along with His priests and Levites.
But those people weren’t his to own in the first place. There were the priests of God, meant to serve God and His people.
So, this time it was a different thing that struck the old king. He realized he was yet to use his own player. That he was yet to use a counter.
Therefore, David stopped his sobbing friend straightaway. He gripped him by the shoulders, looked him in the eye, and charged him with a call.
‘Hushai, listen to me! You will be of no help joining me and the people. You know there’s little even I can do for myself here.’
The man could tell from the look in the king’s eye. That his friend had a plan. And even more, that he’d play a role in the grand scheme.
‘Tell me, Your Majesty! Send me anywhere and I’ll go!’
David picked up right then, dropping his hands off him. ‘I need you to go back to the city. Return to Jerusalem and pledge your allegiance to Absalom.
‘If I have found favour with God, then you will be eyes and ears for me in Absalom’s camp.
‘But if on the contrary it pleases God to take away the kingdom from me and give this boy, then Absalom will definitely have a good man. I’m saying that you will go on to help him as you have helped me.
‘But now you will spy the usurper’s plan for me!’
Hushai knew right there that there was no more place for tears. He brushed his eyes to stop the flow and wake to work.
He was ready. So he called, ‘Tell me, my lord! Tell me what to do!’
David tapped him on the shoulder. ‘Focus more on what his advisers say! And whatever it is that Ahithophel counsels Absalom, just say anything to counter him.’
The listener nodded quickly.
‘Also whatever Absalom decides to do, send words to me through Zadok and Abiathar the priests.
‘I have sent them ahead to Jerusalem, along with their young boys. I’ve also charged them to bring me news through the boys.
‘I will wait across the river crossing at Jordan for your news. So send your news through those kids, too.’
The man noted with a nod.
Then David gave the order. ‘Now, Hushai my friend, return to the city and be David’s spy!’
Right there, Hushai bowed and left off within a moment. He raced his horse through the dusty roads in a wild gallop, his charger pushing back the sands in a clean slither.
David looked ahead and watched the man fly away like a courier bird. It was with pure readiness that his spy swung to battle.
And there the king of Israel knew that he’d broken through.
For then was the right time to counter.
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