And when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, came to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”
Absalom had notice sent him speedily by some of his friends at Jerusalem that David had withdrawn, and with what a small retinue he had gone; so that the coasts were clear, Absalom might take possession of Jerusalem when he pleased. The gates were open, and there was none to oppose him.
Commenting on 2 Samuel 16:15-23
And it came to pass that when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom,.... Who came into Jerusalem at the same time that Absalom did, and who, no doubt, took the first opportunity to make his court to him, Sa2 15:37, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king; or "may the king live" (c), live long, and...
2Sa 16:15-16 When Absalom and “all the people, the men of Israel,” i.e., the people who had joined him out of all the tribes of Israel (2Sa 15:10), came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him, Hushai the Archite also came and greeted him warmly as king, by exclaiming again and again, “Long live the king!”
Commenting on 2 Samuel 16:15-16