שמואל ב, פרק ט״ו, פסוק ל״ב

As David flees Jerusalem, he reaches a dramatic turning point at the summit of the Mount of Olives [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. At this high vantage point, he bows to God. The primary approach among commentators is that this location offered a clear view of the tent housing the Ark of the Covenant. It was a fixed custom for those approaching Jerusalem to bow toward the Ark from this spot [רש״י, מצודת דוד], and there may have even been an organized place of prayer or an altar there [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, this act of worship was unique to the moment. Unsure if he would ever merit returning to Jerusalem, David bowed to bid farewell to the sanctuary, much like a person taking leave of a beloved friend before departing into exile [רד״ק]. Another perspective suggests the bowing was unrelated to viewing the Ark. Instead, David climbed to the summit specifically to pray to God after receiving the devastating news of Ahithophel's betrayal, begging Him to ruin the traitor's advice [אברבנאל].

Precisely at this moment of prayer, Hushai the Archite, the king's close friend and confidant, appears [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. His title indicates his place of origin [רד״ק, מצודת ציון]. He arrives with his clothes torn and earth on his head, displaying signs of deep mourning and sadness. He fully shares in David's distress and intends to join him in exile [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל]. The timing of Hushai's arrival led David to realize that this man was God's direct answer to his plea. Even Hushai's title hinted at the Hebrew word for healing, signaling that he would serve as the cure for the severe blow Ahithophel had dealt [אברבנאל].

A deeper tradition describes a much more tense encounter. According to this view, Hushai arrived to protest because David, consumed by despair, was actually considering idol worship. A piercing discussion broke out between the two men regarding the root cause of the tragedy. Hushai rebuked David, explaining that Absalom's rebellion was the direct consequence of taking a captive woman in battle. He pointed out that the Torah places the laws of the captive woman immediately before the laws of the rebellious son. However, Hushai then used this exact same sequence of laws to comfort the king. He hinted that just as the rebellious son is ultimately sentenced to death, Absalom would also meet his end and fail to kill his father. This realization finally brought David peace of mind [חומת אנך, אברבנאל].