Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Samuel 17:7

"And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given this time is not good." — 2 Samuel 17:7 (ASV)

Not good at this time. —The words, at this time, should be transposed. What Hushai says is This time the counsel of Ahithophel is not good, implying that his previous advice (2 Samuel 16:21) had been wise, thus assuming an appearance of candor.