Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Chronicles 27:33 (New Living Translation)

Ahithophel was the royal adviser. Hushai the Arkite was the king’s friend.

This chapter of the Chronicles of the Kings lists the names of high-ranking officials who served the King and the kingdom. Down here near the bottom of the list is Hushai. His position was the king’s friend.

I have to pause on this one. Why does the King need a friend. What does the friend of the king do?

I suppose we all need a friend or two or twelve. Through my life, I can recall occasions when someone—who was nothing more than a friend—boosted me. They didn’t give me any money, they didn’t give me anything, and they didn’t do anything for me. They were simply a friend. They were and did the kinds of things that friends do.

Yes, the king needed a friend. So do the rest of us. This need and this gift of a friend are two of the uncountable gifts from God. Thank you, God.