2 Samuel 18:20

KJV

And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joab {H3097} said {H559} unto him, Thou {H376} shalt not bear tidings {H1309} this day {H3117}, but thou shalt bear tidings {H1319} another {H312} day {H3117}: but this day {H3117} thou shalt bear no tidings {H1319}, because the king's {H4428} son {H1121} is dead {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yo'av said to him, "You are not to be the one to bring the news today; you can convey news another day; but today you will not bring news, because the king's son is dead."

Berean Standard Bible

But Joab replied, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.”

American Standard Version

And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not be the bearer of tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day; but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king’s son is dead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Samuel 18:20, Joab, King David's commander, shrewdly prevents Ahimaaz, son of Zadok, from delivering the news of Absalom's death to the king. Despite the military victory over Absalom's rebellion, Joab understands that the tragic loss of David's beloved son would transform any "good tidings" into overwhelming sorrow, thereby protecting both the king from immediate, devastating grief and Ahimaaz from potentially bearing the brunt of David's emotional reaction. This verse encapsulates the tension between military success and profound personal tragedy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the decisive battle in the Forest of Ephraim, where Absalom's rebellion was crushed. The narrative has just described Absalom's ignominious death at the hands of Joab and ten of his armor-bearers, despite David's explicit command to deal gently with his son [2 Samuel 18:5](/2_samuel/18-5 "2 Samuel 18:5 - David's Command Regarding Absalom"). The scene now shifts to the aftermath, specifically the crucial task of informing King David. Ahimaaz, known for his swiftness, eagerly volunteers to carry the news [2 Samuel 18:19](/2_samuel/18-19 "2 Samuel 18:19 - Ahimaaz Volunteers to Carry News"), but Joab, understanding the devastating nature of the primary news (Absalom's death), attempts to control its delivery, ultimately sending the Cushite instead [2 Samuel 18:21](/2_samuel/18-21 "2 Samuel 18:21 - The Cushite is Sent"). The subsequent verses detail the race of the messengers and David's anxious waiting, culminating in his profound lament over Absalom's death [2 Samuel 18:33](/2_samuel/18-33 "2 Samuel 18:33 - David's Lament for Absalom").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the delivery of news, especially concerning battles and royal affairs, was a critical and often dangerous task. Messengers were vital for communication, and their speed and accuracy were highly valued. The death of a king's son, even a rebellious one, carried immense weight, impacting not only the king personally but also the stability and morale of the entire kingdom. Kings were figures of absolute authority, and their emotional reactions, particularly to such profound personal loss, could have significant political ramifications. Furthermore, the cultural understanding of family honor and the deep, often complex, bond between a father and son, even one who has betrayed him, underscores the gravity of Absalom's death for David.

* **Key Themes:** This verse highlights several prominent themes within the broader narrative of [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "The Book of 2 Samuel"). Firstly, it underscores **the burden and complexity of delivering bad news**, especially to those in authority. Joab's actions reveal a pragmatic understanding of the king's emotional vulnerability and the potential fallout. Secondly, it showcases **Joab's ruthless pragmatism versus David's deep emotionalism**. Joab consistently prioritizes the practical and military necessities, even if it means disregarding David's personal wishes, as seen in his killing of Absalom and his subsequent management of the news. Thirdly, the verse implicitly points to the **consequences of rebellion and sin**, as Absalom's death is the tragic culmination of his insurrection against his father, reflecting the broader biblical principle that "the wages of sin is death" [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin"). Finally, it foreshadows the overwhelming **parental grief** that will consume David, a theme powerfully expressed in his lament in [2 Samuel 18:33](/2_samuel/18-33 "2 Samuel 18:33 - David's Lament for Absalom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tidings (Hebrew, _besorah'_):** This Hebrew word typically denotes "good news" or a "joyful message" (e.g., the announcement of a victory or the birth of a child). Joab's repeated use of "tidings" in conjunction with the phrase "no tidings" creates a profound irony. The news of victory is technically good, but it is utterly overshadowed and negated by the devastating news of Absalom's death, rendering it, for King David, "no tidings" of joy or comfort. This highlights the dual nature of the report and the overwhelming impact of the personal tragedy.
* **dead (Hebrew, _meth'_):** This word signifies absolute finality and cessation of life. Its stark declaration by Joab cuts through any ambiguity and underscores the irreversible nature of Absalom's fate. The bluntness of this word is central to Joab's rationale for preventing Ahimaaz from delivering the news, as it represents the ultimate sorrow that would eclipse any military triumph.
* **Joab (Hebrew, _Yo'av'_):** While not a single word in the verse, Joab's character is paramount. His actions here reveal his consistent portrayal throughout 2 Samuel as a fiercely loyal, yet often ruthless and pragmatic, military commander. He is a man of action who prioritizes the stability of the kingdom and the practical realities of war over personal sentiment, even the king's. His decision to manage the news flow demonstrates his strategic foresight and his understanding of David's emotional vulnerabilities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joab said unto him,"**: This opening establishes Joab's authority and his direct address to Ahimaaz, setting the stage for a command. It immediately signals Joab's control over the situation and his intention to intervene in the messenger's mission.
* **"Thou shalt not bear tidings this day,"**: This is Joab's initial, firm prohibition. It indicates that despite Ahimaaz's eagerness and known ability, he is deemed unsuitable for carrying *this specific news* on *this particular day*. The emphasis is on the immediate context and the nature of the message.
* **"but thou shalt bear tidings another day:"**: This clause offers a conditional future, acknowledging Ahimaaz's general competence as a messenger. It suggests that Ahimaaz is a valuable asset for delivering news, just not the news of Absalom's death, implying that the current message is uniquely problematic for him to deliver.
* **"but this day thou shalt bear no tidings,"**: This phrase reiterates and intensifies the prohibition, emphasizing the complete absence of any "good" or "joyful" news for David. It underscores the irony of the word "tidings" (_besorah_), as the victory is utterly overshadowed by the personal tragedy. The news is so devastating that it negates any positive aspect.
* **"because the king's son is dead."**: This final, stark declaration provides the definitive and devastating reason for Joab's command. It reveals the core of the "no tidings" and the immense sorrow that awaits King David. This short, powerful statement encapsulates the entire tragedy and Joab's motivation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the word "tidings" (_besorah_), typically meaning "good news," is used in a context where the news is overwhelmingly sorrowful. Joab's statement "thou shalt bear no tidings" is ironic because Ahimaaz *does* have tidings, but they are so devastating that they negate the positive connotations of the word. **Repetition** of "tidings this day" and "no tidings" emphasizes the weight and nature of the message, drilling home the point that the news of Absalom's death transforms any victory announcement into a source of profound grief. This repetition also highlights Joab's determination to control the narrative. Furthermore, the verse uses **Characterization** to reveal Joab's pragmatic and calculating nature, contrasting with David's anticipated emotional vulnerability. Joab's actions here are consistent with his portrayal as a leader who prioritizes the practical realities of power and war over personal sentiment. Finally, Joab's words serve as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of David's immense grief and lament, which will be powerfully depicted later in the chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This poignant verse, while seemingly a simple command, resonates with profound theological and thematic implications. It underscores the pervasive reality of sin's consequences, as Absalom's death is the bitter fruit of his rebellion, a stark reminder that "the wages of sin is death" [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin"). Joab's attempt to manage the news reflects a human attempt to mitigate the impact of devastating truth, a truth that often brings pain and sorrow. The narrative reminds us that even in victory, there can be profound loss, and that human leadership, even when pragmatic, must contend with the deep emotional realities of life and death. The ultimate "tidings" that humanity needs are not merely news of earthly triumph, but of deliverance from the ultimate consequence of sin.

* [2 Samuel 18:33](/2_samuel/18-33 "2 Samuel 18:33 - David's Lament for Absalom")
* [Proverbs 25:25](/proverbs/25-25 "Proverbs 25:25 - Good News from a Far Country")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage offers invaluable insights into the complexities of communication, leadership, and the human experience of grief. Joab's pragmatic decision highlights the importance of wisdom in discerning not only *what* to say, but *when* and *how* to say it, especially when delivering sensitive or painful information. Leaders, in particular, are often called to balance strategic realities with the emotional well-being of those they lead, understanding that raw truth, while necessary, can be devastating if not delivered with care and consideration. For individuals, it prompts us to consider our own roles as messengers in life – whether we are bringing good news or bad, and how we can do so with empathy, wisdom, and respect for the recipient's capacity to receive. Ultimately, the verse points to the universal and enduring pain of loss, reminding us that even those who have caused us great harm can still be deeply mourned, and that grief is a powerful, often uncontrollable, human response.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joab's decision challenge or affirm our understanding of compassionate communication, especially when delivering difficult news?**
* **In what situations might it be wise to delay or carefully filter information, and when is immediate, unvarnished truth necessary?**
* **What does David's anticipated reaction to Absalom's death reveal about the nature of parental love and grief, even for a rebellious child?**
* **How can we cultivate wisdom and empathy in our own communication, particularly when dealing with sensitive or emotionally charged topics?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joab prevent Ahimaaz from delivering the news?**
Answer: Joab's decision was rooted in a combination of pragmatism, protection, and a shrewd understanding of King David's emotional state. He knew that while the battle was a victory, the news of Absalom's death would utterly devastate David, potentially leading to an emotional outburst or a period of profound grief that could destabilize the kingdom or even put Ahimaaz in a dangerous position as the bearer of such sorrowful tidings. Joab likely sought to control the flow of this critical information, choosing a less personally connected messenger (the Cushite) to deliver the raw news, perhaps to buffer David from the immediate shock or to protect Ahimaaz, who was the son of a priest and a loyal supporter.

**What is the significance of "tidings" in this context?**
Answer: The Hebrew word for "tidings" (_besorah_) typically refers to "good news" or a "joyful announcement." Joab's repeated use of the word, especially in the phrase "thou shalt bear no tidings," creates a powerful irony. While there was indeed a victory, the overwhelming sorrow of Absalom's death negated any "good" aspect of the news for David. Joab understood that for the king, the death of his son overshadowed any military triumph, rendering the entire report as "no tidings" of joy, but rather a message of profound grief. It highlights how personal tragedy can eclipse public victory.

**How does this event reflect Joab's character?**
Answer: This event powerfully illustrates Joab's consistent character as a pragmatic, decisive, and often ruthless military commander. He is fiercely loyal to David and the kingdom's stability, but he is willing to take unpopular actions or disregard the king's personal sentiments if he believes it serves a greater strategic purpose. His killing of Absalom [2 Samuel 18:14-15](/2_samuel/18-14 "2 Samuel 18:14 - Joab Kills Absalom") and his subsequent management of the news demonstrate his cold, calculating nature and his focus on practical outcomes over emotional delicacy. He understands David's vulnerabilities and attempts to manage them, even if his methods are harsh.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The poignant reality of 2 Samuel 18:20, where the "tidings" of victory are overshadowed by the "no tidings" of a son's death, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate "tidings" that humanity would receive through Christ. Absalom's death, the consequence of his rebellion, serves as a stark reminder of the wages of sin [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin"). Humanity, like Absalom, was caught in the tree of sin, deserving of judgment. Yet, the ultimate "King's Son," Jesus Christ, willingly faced death, not as a consequence of His own rebellion, but as a perfect sacrifice for ours [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins"). His death was, in one sense, the ultimate "bad news" for sin, as it represented the full wrath of God poured out. However, this devastating news was immediately transformed into the "good news" – the Gospel – through His resurrection. The angels announced "good tidings of great joy" [Luke 2:10](/luke/2-10 "Luke 2:10 - Good News of Great Joy") at His birth, and the apostles became messengers whose "feet are beautiful" because they bring "good news" of peace and salvation through Christ's finished work on the cross [Romans 10:15](/romans/10-15 "Romans 10:15 - How Beautiful are the Feet of Those Who Bring Good News"). Unlike David's lament over a rebellious son, God the Father's sacrifice of His perfectly obedient Son was for the redemption of a rebellious world, turning the ultimate sorrow into eternal joy and life [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World").

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 17:16

Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that [are] with him.

2 Samuel 17:21

And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told king David, and said unto David, Arise, and pass quickly over the water: for thus hath Ahithophel counselled against you.

2 Samuel 18:33

And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!

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 18:5

And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, [Deal] gently for my sake with the young man, [even] with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.

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.