Wednesday, October 16, 2013

The King's Friend

[From July 17, 2013]


"Jonathan, David's uncle, was a counselor, being a man of understanding & a scribe; Jehiel son of Hachmoni attended the King's sons.  Ahitophel was the King's counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the King's friend... Joab was commander of the King's army."
(1 Chronicles 27:32-34)

I love these few verses.  Much of 1 Chronicles is made up of lists of people: priests, Levites, gatekeepers, commanders, etc.  But here at the end of chapter 27, we get the name of 7 people. Four are counselors (Jonathan, Ahitophel, Jehoiada & Abiathar).  One is a general (Joab).  One handles all oft he King's sons (Jehiel).  And then there's HUSHAI THE ARCHITE.  His official title?  "The King's Friend."

That's awesome!  He probably had other duties that David assigned him, but the main reason he was on the royal payroll was because he was the King's friend.

I'm not famous, but I've heard celebrities & athletes talk about how fame brings out the worst in others.  So-called "friends" pop up all over - usually wanting something from the celebrity/athlete.  I'm guessing prominent leaders & politicians have a similar experience.  How crucial, then, to have at least one true friend to stick by you.  One who will speak the truth in love.  One who remembers you from before you were famous.  One who loves you for who you are, not for what your position/role is in society (or for what you give them!).  We all need to have a "friend of the king" in our lives!

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