2 Samuel 16:17

And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?

Cross-reference

In 15:32, Hushai meets David — now Absalom asks why Hushai abandoned his friend, highlighting the deception.

In 2 Samuel 19:25, David asks Mephibosheth the same 'why did you not go with me' — mirroring Absalom's challenge to Hushai about loyalty.

1 Chronicles 27:33 Historical context

1 Chronicles 27:33 explicitly calls Hushai 'the king’s friend' — highlighting the irony of Absalom questioning his loyalty to his friend.

In Matthew 26:50, Jesus calls Judas 'friend' at betrayal — contrasting Hushai who appeared to betray but was truly loyal.

Proverbs 17:17 defines loyal friendship as love at all times — contrasting Absalom’s implication that Hushai failed to be a true friend.