2 Samuel 18:19

KJV

¶ Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} Ahimaaz {H290} the son {H1121} of Zadok {H6659}, Let me now run {H7323}, and bear {H1319} the king {H4428} tidings {H1319}, how that the LORD {H3068} hath avenged {H8199} him of his enemies {H3027}{H341}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Achima'atz the son of Tzadok said, "Let me run now and bring news to the king that ADONAI has judged in his favor by releasing him from his enemies."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.”

American Standard Version

Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that Jehovah hath avenged him of his enemies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, eagerly volunteers to carry the news of the decisive victory over Absalom's rebellious forces to King David. His fervent desire stems from a profound theological conviction that the Lord Himself has intervened to vindicate David and deliver him from his enemies, framing the military triumph as a direct act of divine justice and faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic battle in the forest of Ephraim, where Absalom's rebellion was decisively crushed, culminating in Absalom's death at the hands of Joab. King David, having been persuaded not to join the battle, awaits news anxiously at Mahanaim. Joab, David's commander, has already dispatched a Cushite messenger to relay the complex tidings. Ahimaaz's persistent request to run, despite Joab's initial reluctance and his awareness of the sensitive nature of the news (victory intertwined with the tragic death of the king's son), sets up a dramatic race and foreshadows the emotional impact the news will have on David. The narrative tension builds as two messengers race to deliver news that is both triumphant and devastating.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of David's reign was marked by both consolidation of the kingdom and internal strife, with Absalom's rebellion representing a severe challenge to his divinely appointed kingship. In ancient Near Eastern societies, messengers played a crucial role in transmitting vital information, often at great personal risk and with significant honor attached to delivering good news. The concept of "vengeance" or "vindication" (Hebrew: _naqam_) was deeply rooted in the understanding of divine justice, where God actively intervened in human affairs to right wrongs, punish evildoers, and uphold His covenant with His chosen king. The involvement of Ahimaaz, son of Zadok (one of David's loyal high priests), underscores the religious dimension of the conflict and the priestly family's commitment to David's legitimate rule, especially after David's flight from Jerusalem as recorded in [2 Samuel 15:13](/2_samuel/15-13 "2 Samuel 15:13 - David's Flight from Jerusalem").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel. The primary theme is **Divine Justice and Vindication**, as Ahimaaz explicitly attributes the victory to the Lord's avenging hand. This reinforces the idea that David's kingship, though challenged, remained under divine protection, and God was actively restoring His anointed one. Another key theme is **Loyalty and Service**, exemplified by Ahimaaz's eagerness to serve David, even in a potentially perilous situation. This contrasts with the disloyalty of Absalom and his followers, highlighting the faithful remnant. The verse also subtly introduces the theme of **The Burden of News**, as the victory, though divinely ordained, comes at the tragic cost of Absalom's life, a truth Joab understands but Ahimaaz seems to downplay in his initial zeal. This complex interplay of triumph and sorrow is a recurring motif in David's life, as seen throughout the account of [Absalom's rebellion](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion Begins").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ahimaaz (Hebrew, _'Achima'ats'_):** Meaning "my brother is wrath" or "brother of strength." Ahimaaz is identified as the son of Zadok, one of David's two chief priests. He is consistently portrayed as a loyal and swift messenger, known for his running ability (cf. [2 Samuel 18:27](/2_samuel/18-27 "2 Samuel 18:27 - Ahimaaz's Swiftness")). His priestly lineage adds a layer of significance to his desire to deliver news of divine vindication.
* **Run (Hebrew, _ruts'_):** This verb signifies a rapid, urgent movement, emphasizing Ahimaaz's eagerness and physical capability. It highlights the high stakes of the moment and the cultural importance of swift communication in times of war and political upheaval.
* **Avenged (Hebrew, _naqam'_):** This crucial term means "to take vengeance," "to punish," or "to vindicate." In a theological context, as here, it refers to God's active intervention to set things right, to deliver justice, and to repay an offense. It's not merely human retribution but a divine act of judgment and restoration, affirming God's sovereignty over the outcome of the battle and His faithfulness to David.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok":** This clause introduces the speaker, immediately identifying him by name and his significant priestly lineage. His status as Zadok's son lends authority and loyalty to his person.
* **"Let me now run, and bear the king tidings":** This is Ahimaaz's direct plea, expressing an urgent and personal desire to be the one to deliver the news. The phrase "bear the king tidings" emphasizes the honor and importance associated with bringing such momentous information to the sovereign.
* **"how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies":** This is the core content of the tidings Ahimaaz wishes to deliver. It's a theological declaration, attributing the military victory not to human strength or strategy, but directly to the Lord's intervention. The use of "avenged" underscores the belief that God has acted justly to vindicate David against those who rebelled against His anointed.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning and dramatic impact. **Foreshadowing** is evident in Ahimaaz's insistence on running and the specific nature of the "tidings" he wishes to convey; this sets the stage for the dramatic race and David's anxious wait, as well as the eventual, painful revelation of Absalom's death. There is a subtle **Irony** at play: Ahimaaz is eager to bring "good tidings" of divine vengeance and victory, yet the full truth of the outcome—the death of Absalom—will be devastating for David, creating a poignant **Dramatic Irony** for the reader who knows the tragic end. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Theological Statement**, directly attributing the military success to the Lord's active involvement rather than merely human prowess. This elevates the conflict beyond a mere political struggle to a divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse highlights a foundational biblical truth: God is sovereign over human affairs, and He ultimately vindicates His chosen servants and establishes justice. David's victory, though personally costly, is framed as a divine act of "avenging" or setting right the injustice perpetrated by Absalom's rebellion. This demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people experience profound suffering and betrayal. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the "battles" of life, and His justice, though sometimes delayed or manifesting in unexpected ways, is ultimately assured.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")
* [Psalm 3:7](/psalm/3-7 "Psalm 3:7 - God's Deliverance")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Leave Vengeance to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ahimaaz's eagerness to deliver news of God's vindication for David prompts us to consider how we perceive and respond to God's hand in our own lives. In moments of personal struggle or societal upheaval, do we look for God's intervention and trust in His ultimate justice, even when the outcomes are complex or painful? This verse encourages us to cultivate a theological lens through which we interpret our circumstances, recognizing God's sovereignty even amidst chaos. It also challenges us to consider our own zeal for service and loyalty, not just to earthly authorities, but to God's purposes. Like Ahimaaz, we are called to be eager bearers of good news, recognizing that God is at work, setting things right, and ultimately bringing about His redemptive plan, even if the path is fraught with sorrow.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I recognize God's hand at work in my personal "battles" and challenges?**
* **What does it mean to trust in God's ultimate justice and vindication, especially when circumstances seem unfair or outcomes are painful?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate faithful service and loyalty to God's purposes in my daily life and community?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ahimaaz so eager to run with the news, even after Joab told him not to?**

Answer: Ahimaaz's eagerness likely stemmed from a combination of factors: deep loyalty to King David, a desire for the honor of delivering such momentous news of victory, and perhaps a genuine, if naive, belief that he could deliver the "good tidings" of God's vindication without needing to dwell on the tragic death of Absalom. He was also known for his exceptional speed, which would make him an ideal messenger. Joab, being more pragmatic and aware of David's deep affection for Absalom, knew that the news of Absalom's death would overshadow any military triumph, making it "no tidings of good news" for David, as he states in [2 Samuel 18:22](/2_samuel/18-22 "2 Samuel 18:22 - Joab's Warning to Ahimaaz").

**What is the theological significance of Ahimaaz saying, "the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies"?**

Answer: This statement is crucial because it frames the military victory not merely as a human triumph, but as a direct act of divine justice and intervention. The Hebrew word for "avenged" (_naqam_) implies God's active role in setting things right, vindicating His anointed king, David, against the rebellion. It underscores the belief that David's kingship was divinely ordained and protected, and that God was faithful to His covenant promises, even in the face of severe internal strife. It transforms a political-military event into a theological declaration of God's sovereignty and righteousness, echoing themes found in [Psalm 3:7](/psalm/3-7 "Psalm 3:7 - God's Deliverance") where David prays for God's intervention against his enemies.

**Did Ahimaaz know that Absalom was dead when he insisted on running?**

Answer: It is highly probable that Ahimaaz knew Absalom was dead. Joab explicitly tells him in [2 Samuel 18:20](/2_samuel/18-20 "2 Samuel 18:20 - Joab's Knowledge of Absalom's Death") that he would not have "good tidings" because "the king's son is dead." Ahimaaz's insistence despite this warning suggests he either chose to focus solely on the victory aspect of the news, or he believed he could deliver the news in a way that minimized the blow, or perhaps he simply wanted to be the first to reach David with any news, good or bad, out of loyalty. His subsequent evasiveness when questioned by David about Absalom's well-being (cf. [2 Samuel 18:29](/2_samuel/18-29 "2 Samuel 18:29 - Ahimaaz's Evasion")) further supports the idea that he was aware of the tragic truth but preferred to focus on the positive, divine aspect of the outcome.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ahimaaz's declaration that "the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies" finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, as God's anointed king, suffered betrayal and rebellion, yet was ultimately vindicated by divine intervention. This foreshadows Christ, the ultimate King and Son of David, who also endured profound betrayal, suffering, and death at the hands of His enemies. However, God's "avenging" in Christ's case was not a military victory over human adversaries, but a decisive triumph over the spiritual enemies of sin, death, and the devil. The cross, seemingly a defeat, was God's ultimate act of justice where sin was judged, and the resurrection was the glorious vindication of God's righteous Son. Through Christ's triumph, believers are "avenged" of their spiritual enemies, freed from the dominion of sin (cf. [Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Crucified with Christ")) and death (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory over Death")). The "tidings" Ahimaaz was eager to deliver pale in comparison to the "good news" (Gospel) of Christ's finished work, which proclaims God's ultimate vindication of humanity through His Son, offering eternal life and reconciliation to all who believe (cf. [Romans 5:10](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10 - Reconciled by Christ's Death")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 15:36

Behold, [they have] there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's [son], and Jonathan Abiathar's [son]; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear.

2 Samuel 18:31

And, behold, Cushi came; and Cushi said, Tidings, my lord the king: for the LORD hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee.

Psalms 9:16

The LORD is known [by] the judgment [which] he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.

2 Samuel 18:27

And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He [is] a good man, and cometh with good tidings.

2 Samuel 18:29

And the king said, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the king's servant, and [me] thy servant, I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what [it was].

2 Samuel 17:17

Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.

Psalms 7:8

The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity [that is] in me.