2 Samuel 17:8

Thou knowest thy father. Hushai did not find himself in an easy position. It devolved upon him to endeavor to make a wise plan appear to be unwise. Thus it became necessary to turn attention from the facts and to make it appear that an entirely different situation prevailed. But the new situation would have to appear plausible. Hence he called attention to David as the famous warrior of years gone by, the kind of man that Israel loved and other nations feared. Absalom knew only too well David’s reputation for prowess and courage. The picture that Hushai set before him created in Absalom’s mind visions of a formidable foe, shrewd and alert, bold and defiant, always prepared for any eventuality.

A man of war. The argument was that David would not allow himself to be drawn into a trap. A warrior is supposed to be always on his guard, always ready to meet the foe, always anticipating the enemy’s next move and preparing to meet it. Any hope of catching David unawares ought to be abandoned. However, he was, in reality, utterly unprepared for the present situation, and both Hushai and Ahithophel knew it, but Hushai was endeavoring valiantly to cover up that fact.