2 Samuel 18:22

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?

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}?

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."

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?”

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

Context of 2 Samuel 18:22

This verse is set in the aftermath of the intense battle between King David's forces and the rebellious army led by his son, Absalom. The tide has turned decisively in David's favor, and Absalom himself has been killed by Joab, David's commander, contrary to David's explicit command to spare his son (2 Samuel 18:5). The crucial, and tragic, news of Absalom's death needed to be conveyed to King David. Joab had already dispatched a Cushite messenger, often referred to simply as "Cushi" in the text (2 Samuel 18:21), to deliver this sensitive report. Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok the priest, who had previously served David faithfully as a messenger during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15:36), was eager to run with the news himself. Joab initially refused Ahimaaz (2 Samuel 18:19), likely because he understood the grave implications of delivering such sorrowful news to the king, preferring the less prominent Cushi for the task. Despite Joab's warning, Ahimaaz persists in his request in this verse.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Eagerness vs. Prudence: Ahimaaz demonstrates an admirable zeal and loyalty to King David, desiring to be the bearer of tidings. However, Joab's response highlights the importance of prudence and discernment, especially when dealing with sensitive information. Ahimaaz's eagerness seems to outweigh his understanding of the full, grim details.
  • The Nature of News: The verse underscores that not all news is good news, and the delivery of bad news carries significant weight. Joab's question, "Wherefore wilt thou run... seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?" implies that Ahimaaz did not possess the full, specific, and devastating details of Absalom's death, which Cushi did. Ahimaaz might only know of the victory, not the tragic cost.
  • Loyalty and Service: Despite the potential dangers or the unpleasantness of the message, Ahimaaz's insistence reveals a deep desire to serve his king, David, even if his motives are somewhat unclear or his understanding incomplete.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "no tidings ready" (or "no reward for tidings" in some interpretations) is crucial. It suggests that Ahimaaz lacked the specific, detailed, and perhaps sensitive information that Joab knew would be unwelcome to David. He was not privy to the full story of Absalom's demise, which Joab had orchestrated. The Hebrew phrase for "tidings" (bĕśōrāh) often refers to good news, but here it's ironically applied to a situation where the underlying truth is deeply sorrowful for the king.

Practical Application

2 Samuel 18:22 offers several lessons for contemporary life:

  • Discernment in Communication: It reminds us of the importance of not just delivering a message, but understanding its full content, context, and potential impact on the recipient. Rushing to communicate without full information can lead to complications or misunderstanding.
  • Understanding Motives: Ahimaaz's strong desire to run, even without "tidings ready," prompts us to consider our own motives for action. Is it for recognition, duty, or a genuine desire to help?
  • The Weight of Truth: The narrative highlights that truth, especially difficult truth, must be handled with care and delivered with wisdom. Joab's actions, while morally complex in the killing of Absalom, show a strategic understanding of how to manage information for the king. David's eventual grief over Absalom (2 Samuel 18:33) underscores the sensitivity of the news.
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Cross-References

  • Romans 1:28 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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