2 Samuel 18:21

KJV

Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} Joab {H3097} to Cushi {H3569}, Go {H3212} tell {H5046} the king {H4428} what thou hast seen {H7200}. And Cushi {H3569} bowed {H7812} himself unto Joab {H3097}, and ran {H7323}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Yo'av said to the Ethiopian, "Go, tell the king what you saw."The Ethiopian bowed to Yo'av, then ran off.

Berean Standard Bible

So Joab said to a Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running.

American Standard Version

Then said Joab to the Cushite, Go, tell the king what thou hast seen. And the Cushite bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 18:21 captures a pivotal moment following the decisive battle against Absalom's forces, where Joab, King David's commander, dispatches Cushi to deliver the somber news of Absalom's death to the grieving monarch. This verse highlights the immediate obedience of Cushi and Joab's strategic decision-making in selecting a messenger for such a sensitive and potentially perilous task, setting the stage for David's profound sorrow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of the civil war between King David and his rebellious son, Absalom, as detailed in [2 Samuel 15-18](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion Begins"). The preceding verses describe the decisive battle in the forest of Ephraim, where Absalom's forces are routed. Crucially, [2 Samuel 18:9-15](/2_samuel/18-9 "2 Samuel 18:9-15 - Absalom's Death") recounts Absalom's ignominious death at the hands of Joab and his armor-bearers, despite David's explicit command in [2 Samuel 18:5](/2_samuel/18-5 "2 Samuel 18:5 - David's Command to Deal Gently with Absalom") to deal gently with his son. The immediate verses (2 Samuel 18:19-20) show Ahimaaz, son of Zadok, eager to run with the news, but Joab initially refuses him, stating the king would not be pleased with news of his son's death. Thus, 2 Samuel 18:21 marks Joab's calculated choice of Cushi as the bearer of this devastating message, preceding the subsequent race of the messengers and David's anxious wait.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, messengers played a vital role in communication, particularly in warfare. The delivery of news, especially bad news, was often fraught with danger for the messenger, who could face the king's wrath or grief-fueled displeasure. Kings were absolute rulers, and their emotional responses could have severe consequences. The act of "bowing" was a standard gesture of submission and respect to a superior, signifying an acknowledgment of authority and readiness to obey. The term "Cushi" (or "the Cushite") indicates an origin from Cush (Nubia/Ethiopia), suggesting he was a foreigner, possibly a mercenary or slave within David's army. This foreign status might have made him a pragmatic choice for Joab, as he might be perceived as less personally invested in the Israelite royal family's affairs or less likely to suffer severe repercussions compared to an Israelite noble like Ahimaaz.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel. Firstly, it underscores **the burden of bad news** and the delicate nature of its delivery, especially to a king and grieving father. Joab's careful selection of Cushi, and his initial refusal of Ahimaaz, highlights the immense weight of the message concerning Absalom's death (cf. [2 Samuel 1:1-16](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel 1 - David Learns of Saul's Death") for another example of a messenger of bad news). Secondly, **obedience and duty** are central, as Cushi's immediate bowing and running exemplify prompt and unquestioning submission to military command, even when the task is emotionally charged. Thirdly, **Joab's pragmatism and ruthless efficiency** are on full display; he prioritizes the stability of the kingdom over David's personal sentiments, making difficult decisions for the greater good, as seen in his killing of Absalom (cf. [2 Samuel 18:14](/2_samuel/18-14 "2 Samuel 18:14 - Joab Kills Absalom")). Finally, the verse is part of the tragic unfolding of **the consequences of rebellion** against God-ordained authority, culminating in Absalom's death and David's profound grief, a narrative thread woven throughout [2 Samuel 13-18](/2_samuel/13 "2 Samuel 13 - Absalom's Revenge").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cushi (Hebrew, כּוּשִׁי, _Kūšî_):** Literally "the Cushite" or "the Ethiopian." This designation points to his ethnic origin from Cush (ancient Nubia/Ethiopia), a region south of Egypt. In ancient Israel, Cushites were often associated with swift runners and messengers (cf. [Jeremiah 38:7-13](/jeremiah/38-7 "Jeremiah 38:7-13 - Ebed-Melech the Cushite")). His foreign status might have made him a less politically or emotionally sensitive choice for delivering the news of Absalom's death, potentially shielding a more prominent Israelite like Ahimaaz from the king's wrath or grief.
* **bowed (Hebrew, וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ, _wayyištaḥû_):** Derived from the root שָׁחָה (_šaḥah_), meaning "to bow down," "to prostrate oneself," or "to worship." In this context, it signifies an act of deep respect, submission, and immediate obedience to Joab's command. It underscores Cushi's recognition of Joab's authority and his readiness to perform the assigned duty without hesitation or question, despite the inherent difficulty of the task.
* **ran (Hebrew, וַיָּרָץ, _wayyāraṣ_):** From the root רוּץ (_rūṣ_), meaning "to run," "to rush," or "to hasten." This verb emphasizes the urgency and swiftness of Cushi's departure. It conveys his prompt and energetic execution of the command, characteristic of a dedicated messenger. His immediate action contrasts with the preceding discussion between Joab and Ahimaaz, highlighting Cushi's simple and direct obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Joab to Cushi":** This opening clause establishes Joab's authority and his deliberate choice of messenger. Joab, as David's pragmatic and often ruthless commander, takes control of the situation, deciding who will bear the weighty news of Absalom's death. His selection of Cushi, a foreigner, over the eager Ahimaaz, suggests a strategic calculation to manage the king's anticipated grief and anger.
* **"Go tell the king what thou hast seen":** This is Joab's direct command, specifying the content of the message: the outcome of the battle, particularly Absalom's demise. Joab does not mince words; he instructs Cushi to report the unvarnished truth of the military engagement, which includes the death of the king's son. This highlights the grim reality of the war's conclusion and the difficult duty of the messenger.
* **"And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab":** This phrase describes Cushi's immediate and respectful response to Joab's command. The act of bowing signifies Cushi's submission, acknowledgment of authority, and acceptance of the difficult mission. It demonstrates his discipline and willingness to obey without demur, reflecting the expected conduct of a subordinate in a military context.
* **"and ran":** This final clause emphasizes Cushi's swift and prompt execution of the command. His immediate departure underscores the urgency of the situation and his commitment to fulfilling his duty. The speed of his departure sets the stage for the dramatic race between the messengers and David's anxious wait for news of the battle's outcome and his son's fate.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Characterization** is evident in Joab's decisive, pragmatic nature, as he carefully selects Cushi, a foreign servant, to deliver the grim news, perhaps to spare David's favored Ahimaaz. This choice underscores Joab's strategic thinking and his willingness to make difficult, unpopular decisions for the sake of the kingdom. Cushi's immediate "bowing" and "running" showcase his **obedience** and **diligence**, portraying him as a faithful and disciplined subordinate. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing** by setting the stage for David's profound grief and the tragic conclusion of Absalom's rebellion, building tension as the news is about to be delivered. The simple, direct language used in the command and description of Cushi's actions creates a sense of **verisimilitude**, making the scene feel immediate and realistic.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 18:21, though brief, is rich with theological and thematic implications. It underscores the profound consequences of rebellion against established authority, particularly when that authority is divinely appointed. Absalom's tragic end, delivered through Cushi's message, serves as a stark reminder that sin carries a heavy cost, both personally and nationally, echoing the principle found in [Proverbs 13:15](/proverbs/13-15 "Proverbs 13:15 - The Way of Transgressors is Hard"). The narrative also highlights the burden of leadership and the difficult decisions leaders must make, as exemplified by Joab's pragmatism in prioritizing the kingdom's stability over David's personal affections. Furthermore, the role of the messenger, bearing news of life and death, good and bad, is a recurring biblical motif, foreshadowing the ultimate divine messengers and the message of salvation.

* [1 Samuel 4:12-17](/1_samuel/4-12 "1 Samuel 4:12-17 - News of Israel's Defeat and Eli's Death") - An account of a messenger bringing devastating news of defeat and death to Eli, highlighting the potentially fatal impact of such tidings.
* [Proverbs 25:13](/proverbs/25-13 "Proverbs 25:13 - A Faithful Messenger") - "As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters." This proverb contrasts with the difficult news Cushi carries, yet underscores the value of a faithful messenger.
* [Romans 13:1-2](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1-2 - Submission to Governing Authorities") - Teaches about submission to governing authorities, reinforcing the theological principle that rebellion against human rulers can be seen as rebellion against God's ordained order, which Absalom's actions exemplify.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, though seemingly a minor detail in a larger narrative, offers profound insights into human nature, leadership, and communication. It reminds us that life often presents us with the difficult task of delivering or receiving unwelcome truths. Joab's strategic choice of Cushi teaches us the importance of discretion and sensitivity when conveying sensitive information, considering the recipient's emotional state and the potential impact of the message. For those in leadership, it underscores the weighty responsibility of making tough decisions that may be unpopular but are necessary for the greater good, even when they cause personal pain. Cushi's immediate obedience, despite the implied difficulty of his task, serves as a model of faithfulness and diligence in fulfilling one's duties, even when they are unpleasant or carry significant emotional weight. In our own lives, we are called to be faithful messengers of truth, whether in personal relationships or in sharing the Gospel, doing so with wisdom, humility, and compassion, recognizing the profound impact our words can have.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when faced with the task of delivering difficult or unwelcome news to others?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate greater wisdom and sensitivity in my communication, especially when dealing with emotionally charged information?**
* **What does Cushi's immediate obedience teach me about fulfilling my responsibilities, even when they are challenging or unpleasant?**
* **How does Joab's pragmatism, even in a painful situation, inform my understanding of leadership and decision-making for the greater good?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joab choose Cushi instead of Ahimaaz to deliver the news?**

Answer: Joab's decision to send Cushi (the Cushite) instead of Ahimaaz, who was eager to run, appears to be a strategic and pragmatic choice. Ahimaaz was the son of Zadok, the high priest, and a loyal supporter of David, having previously served as a trusted messenger during Absalom's rebellion (cf. [2 Samuel 15:36](/2_samuel/15-36 "2 Samuel 15:36 - Ahimaaz and Jonathan as Messengers")). Joab likely wanted to spare Ahimaaz from the king's anticipated wrath or profound grief upon hearing of Absalom's death. Delivering such news could be dangerous for the messenger (cf. [2 Samuel 1:1-16](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel 1 - David Learns of Saul's Death"), where David kills the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul). Cushi, being a foreigner, might have been seen as more expendable or less likely to incur severe punishment, or perhaps Joab believed his foreign status would make the news less personally offensive to David than if delivered by a close Israelite ally. Joab explicitly tells Ahimaaz in [2 Samuel 18:20](/2_samuel/18-20 "2 Samuel 18:20 - Joab Refuses Ahimaaz") that he would "bear no tidings this day," indicating his desire to protect him from the fallout of the grim message.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 18:21 depicts a messenger bearing news of death and the tragic consequences of human rebellion, it subtly foreshadows the ultimate Messenger and the ultimate message. Just as Cushi ran to deliver news of a son's death that brought profound grief to a king, Jesus Christ is the supreme Messenger sent by the Father, not to deliver news of death, but to bring the ultimate good news of life. He is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the embodiment of God's message to humanity. Unlike Absalom, whose rebellion led to his demise, Christ's obedience, even unto death on the cross, brought salvation (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He bore the ultimate "bad news" of humanity's sin and its consequence, death, but transformed it into the glorious news of redemption and eternal life through His resurrection (cf. [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")). Furthermore, just as Cushi bowed in submission to Joab's command, Christ perfectly submitted to the Father's will, even when it led to the cross (cf. [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). He is the King who willingly became a servant, taking on the burden of humanity's sin, to deliver us from the ultimate rebellion against God, offering reconciliation and eternal peace.

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.