2 Samuel 18:22

KJV

Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} Ahimaaz {H290} the son {H1121} of Zadok {H6659} yet again {H3254} to Joab {H3097}, But howsoever {H4100}, let me, I pray thee, also run {H7323} after {H310} Cushi {H3569}. And Joab {H3097} said {H559}, Wherefore wilt thou run {H7323}, my son {H1121}, seeing that thou hast no tidings {H1309} ready {H4672}?

Complete Jewish Bible

But Achima'atz the son of Tzadok said again to Yo'av, "Come what may, please let me also run after the Ethiopian." Yo'av answered, "Why do you want to run, my son? You won't receive any reward for bringing the news."

Berean Standard Bible

Ahimaaz son of Zadok, however, persisted and said to Joab, “Regardless of whatever may happen, please let me also run behind the Cushite!” “My son,” Joab replied, “why do you want to run, since you will not receive a reward?”

American Standard Version

Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But come what may, let me, I pray thee, also run after the Cushite. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou wilt have no reward for the tidings?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Samuel 18:22, Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, persistently pleads with Joab, King David's commander, for the second time to be allowed to run and deliver the news from the battlefield, even after Joab has already dispatched a Cushite messenger. Joab, however, questions Ahimaaz's insistence, pointing out that he has no "tidings ready," implying that Ahimaaz is unaware of the full, tragic details of Absalom's death, which would be devastating news for the king. This exchange highlights the tension between eager loyalty and the weighty responsibility of conveying sensitive information, especially when it concerns the life and death of a king's son.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion, specifically in the immediate aftermath of the decisive battle in the forest of Ephraim. King David's forces, led by Joab, have decisively routed Absalom's army. Crucially, Absalom himself has been killed by Joab, directly contravening David's explicit command to deal gently with his son, as recorded in [2 Samuel 18:5](/2_samuel/18-5 "2 Samuel 18:5 - David's Command to Spare Absalom"). The narrative tension revolves around who will deliver this sensitive and tragic news to David. Joab, keenly aware of the king's deep affection for Absalom, initially sends a Cushite servant to bear the news, as detailed in [2 Samuel 18:21](/2_samuel/18-21 "2 Samuel 18:21 - Joab Sends the Cushite Messenger"). Ahimaaz, a trusted messenger who had previously served David faithfully during the rebellion by relaying vital intelligence (see [2 Samuel 15:36](/2_samuel/15-36 "2 Samuel 15:36 - Ahimaaz and Jonathan as Messengers")), is eager to run with the news himself, having already been refused once by Joab in [2 Samuel 18:19](/2_samuel/18-19 "2 Samuel 18:19 - Ahimaaz's First Request"). This verse captures Ahimaaz's persistent, almost desperate, desire to be the bearer of tidings, despite Joab's clear reluctance to send him with such a heavy message. The scene sets the stage for David's profound grief, which is soon to follow.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, messengers played an absolutely vital role in communication, particularly during times of war. The bearer of news, especially victory news, was often highly honored and rewarded, sometimes even with significant material wealth or elevated status. Conversely, the bearer of bad news, particularly news of defeat or the death of a royal figure, could face severe consequences, including imprisonment, torture, or even execution, depending on the king's temperament and the perceived culpability of the messenger. Joab's decision to send the Cushite, a foreign servant, instead of Ahimaaz, a prominent Israelite from a respected priestly family, likely reflects a pragmatic desire to shield Ahimaaz from the king's potential wrath or profound grief. Ahimaaz, as the son of Zadok the priest, held a significant position in David's court and was a loyal supporter. His eagerness to run, therefore, might stem from a genuine desire to serve his king and share in the victory, possibly underestimating the profound sorrow the news of Absalom's death would inflict upon David. This context underscores the delicate nature of royal communication and the personal risks involved in delivering unwelcome truths, especially those that touch the king's deepest affections.

* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates several key themes pertinent to leadership, communication, and human emotion. Firstly, it highlights the **tension between eager loyalty and prudent discernment**. Ahimaaz's zeal to serve David is commendable and rooted in his faithfulness, but Joab's response emphasizes the necessity of wisdom and understanding the full implications of a message before delivering it. Joab understands that not all news, even if part of a military victory, is "good news" for the king. Secondly, the verse explores the **nature and weight of news**, especially tragic news. Joab's rhetorical question, "Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?" underscores that the delivery of devastating information requires a specific understanding of its content and its profound impact. Ahimaaz, it seems, is aware of the victory but not the personal tragedy of Absalom's death, which would plunge David into deep mourning, as revealed in [2 Samuel 18:33](/2_samuel/18-33 "2 Samuel 18:33 - David's Lament for Absalom"). Thirdly, the narrative touches on the theme of **sacrifice and consequence** in leadership and warfare. While victory is achieved, it comes at the immense personal cost of Absalom's life, a cost David explicitly sought to avoid. Joab's actions, though militarily decisive, carry a heavy moral and emotional burden that must be conveyed with extreme care and by someone who can bear the potential repercussions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tidings (Hebrew, בְּשֹׂרָה, _bᵉsôwrâh'_):** This noun, derived from the root meaning "to bring good news," typically refers to "good news" or "glad tidings" (e.g., the news of victory or birth). Its use here, in the context of Absalom's death, is deeply ironic. Joab implies that while Ahimaaz may know of the general outcome of the battle (victory), he does not possess the specific, devastating "news" (the death of Absalom) that would be anything but "good" for King David. The word highlights the stark contrast between the external military success and the internal personal tragedy that would soon engulf the king. The irony deepens the pathos of the scene.
* **ready (Hebrew, מָצָא, _mâtsâ'_):** This term, derived from the primitive root "to find," signifies "to be found," "to appear," or "to be at hand." In this context, Joab's phrase "no tidings ready" (literally, "no tidings found" or "no tidings at hand") implies that Ahimaaz lacks the substantive, specific, and weighty content of the message that truly matters to David. He doesn't have the full, difficult truth "at hand" or "available" to deliver. Joab is asserting that Ahimaaz's knowledge is incomplete or superficial regarding the critical and painful details of Absalom's demise, making him an unsuitable messenger for such a grievous report.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi."**: This clause reveals Ahimaaz's remarkable persistence and unwavering eagerness, bordering on an almost naive determination. Despite Joab's previous refusal (v. 19) and the dispatch of the Cushite messenger (v. 21), Ahimaaz reiterates his plea, demonstrating a strong desire to be the one to deliver the news. His identity as "the son of Zadok" emphasizes his prominent priestly lineage and his established loyalty to David, making his insistence understandable from a position of service and honor. The phrase "howsoever" (or "at any rate") underscores his resolve, suggesting he is willing to run regardless of the perceived lack of honor or reward, or even potential danger, driven by a deep sense of duty or perhaps a desire to be part of this pivotal moment.
* **"And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?"**: Joab's response is a rhetorical question, laden with pragmatic wisdom and a deep understanding of David's heart. He addresses Ahimaaz paternally ("my son"), indicating a measure of care and concern, perhaps a desire to protect him from the king's inevitable grief. The core of his objection lies in Ahimaaz's lack of "tidings ready." Joab knows the full, grim truth of Absalom's death and the profound grief it will cause David. He implies that Ahimaaz, while perhaps knowing of the military victory, is unaware of the specific, devastating detail that would make the news so unwelcome to the king. Joab's question serves as a protective measure for Ahimaaz and a strategic move to manage the delivery of such a sensitive message, ensuring that the bearer is fully aware of the message's true weight.

#### Literary Devices
The exchange in 2 Samuel 18:22 employs several potent **Literary Devices** that enhance its dramatic and thematic impact. The primary device is **Dialogue**, which vividly portrays the tension and differing perspectives between Ahimaaz's eager but uninformed loyalty and Joab's pragmatic wisdom. Joab's question, "Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?", functions as a powerful **Rhetorical Question**. It is not posed to elicit information but rather to make a forceful statement about Ahimaaz's unsuitability for the task, highlighting his incomplete knowledge of the true, tragic nature of the news. There is also a significant layer of **Irony** in the use of the word "tidings" (_besorah_), which typically denotes good news, but here refers to the profoundly sorrowful news of Absalom's death. This ironic usage underscores the tragic dichotomy of a military victory achieved at the immense personal cost of the king's son. Furthermore, the entire scene serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, building suspense for David's eventual, overwhelming reaction to the news, which is indeed one of profound grief rather than jubilation over military triumph.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly minor exchange between Ahimaaz and Joab offers profound insights into the nature of communication, truth, and discernment, themes that resonate throughout biblical theology. It underscores that the delivery of truth, especially difficult truth, requires not just eagerness but also wisdom, empathy, and a full grasp of the message's content and its potential impact on the recipient. Joab's reluctance to send Ahimaaz highlights the burden of bearing unwelcome news and the need for prudence in speaking, even when one's intentions are noble. This principle extends beyond mere communication to the broader call for believers to speak truth in love, discerning the right time and manner, and understanding the weight of the words we carry, whether they are words of comfort, challenge, or correction. It teaches us that true service involves not just willingness, but also a deep understanding of the situation and the needs of those we serve.

* [Proverbs 15:23](/proverbs/15-23 "Proverbs 15:23 - A Word in Season")
* [Proverbs 25:25](/proverbs/25-25 "Proverbs 25:25 - Good News from a Distant Land")
* [Romans 15:1](/romans/15-1 "Romans 15:1 - Bearing Burdens")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief interaction in 2 Samuel 18:22 serves as a timeless lesson in the art and profound responsibility of communication. Ahimaaz's eager but uninformed zeal contrasts sharply with Joab's pragmatic wisdom, reminding us that good intentions alone are insufficient when delivering sensitive or difficult information. We are called to be discerning communicators, not merely carriers of facts, but thoughtful conveyors of truth who meticulously consider the context, the full content, and the potential emotional and spiritual impact on the recipient. Before we speak, particularly when sharing news that might be unwelcome or challenging, we must pause and ask ourselves if we truly have "tidings ready"—meaning, do we fully understand the message, its implications, and the emotional landscape of the person receiving it? This passage encourages us to cultivate a spirit of prudence, empathy, and wisdom in all our interactions, recognizing the profound weight that words can carry and striving to speak in ways that build up, even when delivering hard truths that require courage and sensitivity. In an age of instant and often unfiltered information, this ancient wisdom is more relevant than ever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be eager to speak or act without having "tidings ready," lacking full understanding or failing to consider the impact on others?**
* **How can I cultivate greater discernment and empathy in my communication, especially when sharing difficult truths or sensitive information with others?**
* **What are my underlying motivations when I am eager to be the bearer of news or information? Am I seeking recognition, or truly serving others with wisdom and genuine care?**
* **How does this passage challenge my approach to sharing information in an age of instant communication and the pervasive influence of social media?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ahimaaz so insistent on running with the news, despite Joab's initial refusal?**

Answer: Ahimaaz's insistence likely stemmed from a combination of factors. As the son of Zadok the priest, he was a loyal and trusted figure in David's court, and he had a proven track record as a swift and reliable messenger during the rebellion, as seen in [2 Samuel 15:36](/2_samuel/15-36 "2 Samuel 15:36 - Ahimaaz's Loyalty"). His eagerness probably reflected a deep sense of loyalty to King David and a fervent desire to be the one to bring the news of victory, perhaps hoping for the honor or reward that was customary for bearers of good tidings. It is also highly probable that he was not fully aware of the tragic detail of Absalom's death, focusing only on the military triumph. He may have felt a personal obligation or even a competitive spirit, wanting to outrun the Cushite to be the first to reach the king.

**What exactly does Joab mean by "thou hast no tidings ready"?**

Answer: Joab's statement means that Ahimaaz did not possess the specific, crucial, and devastating information that Absalom, King David's son, had been killed. While Ahimaaz likely knew of the military victory, he was not privy to the full, tragic details of Absalom's demise, which Joab had orchestrated. Joab understood that this news, despite the military success, would be profoundly sorrowful for David, as demonstrated by David's lament in [2 Samuel 18:33](/2_samuel/18-33 "2 Samuel 18:33 - David's Grief"). Therefore, Ahimaaz had no "tidings" (news) that would be considered "ready" or appropriate for him to deliver to the king, given the sensitive and unwelcome nature of the core message. Joab was essentially saying, "You don't have the *real* news, the one that matters most to the king, and it is not good news for him."

**What was Joab's motive in sending the Cushite messenger instead of Ahimaaz?**

Answer: Joab's decision to send the Cushite instead of Ahimaaz was likely a pragmatic and protective measure, demonstrating his shrewdness and understanding of royal dynamics. Firstly, sending a foreign servant, who had less personal connection to David and less social standing, meant that if David reacted with anger or grief-fueled wrath to the news of Absalom's death, the consequences would fall on a less prominent figure, thus shielding a valuable Israelite. Secondly, Joab likely wanted to spare Ahimaaz, a loyal and important Israelite from a priestly family, from the unenviable and potentially dangerous task of delivering such profoundly sorrowful news to the king. Joab understood the king's deep love for Absalom and the immense grief that would follow, making the delivery of this specific news a perilous undertaking for anyone close to David. It was an act of both strategic foresight and a measure of care for Ahimaaz.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of messengers bearing news, particularly difficult news, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Ahimaaz eagerly desired to bear tidings of victory, he lacked the full, tragic "tidings ready" that would devastate the king. In stark contrast, Jesus is the ultimate Messenger, the very Word of God made flesh, who came bearing the most profound news humanity could ever receive. He is the "good news" personified, proclaiming the [Gospel of the Kingdom](/mark/1-14 "Mark 1:14-15 - Jesus Proclaims the Gospel"), bringing tidings of salvation and reconciliation with God. Yet, Christ also bore the most difficult "tidings ready" imaginable: the truth about humanity's pervasive sin and the dire necessity of His own sacrificial death to atone for it. He is the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly becoming the bearer of the ultimate "bad news" (sin's consequence and the judgment it incurs) in order to deliver the ultimate "good news" (redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life). Unlike Ahimaaz, who was shielded from the full weight of the message, Christ fully embraced the burden of our sin and the suffering of the cross, demonstrating a love that went beyond mere loyalty to a king, but offered Himself for the salvation of humanity, as highlighted in [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love"). He is the faithful and true witness, the one who perfectly reveals the Father, for He is [the Way, the Truth, and the Life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life"), embodying the full message of God's redemptive plan in its entirety, both its cost and its glorious outcome.

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

Romans 1:28

And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Ephesians 5:4

Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.