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.

And the watchman {H6822} said {H559}, Me thinketh {H7200} the running {H4794} of the foremost {H7223} is like the running {H4794} of Ahimaaz {H290} the son {H1121} of Zadok {H6659}. And the king {H4428} said {H559}, He is a good {H2896} man {H376}, and cometh {H935} with good {H2896} tidings {H1309}.

The watchman said, "The first one runs like Achima'atz the son of Tzadok."The king said, "He's a good man, he comes with good news."

The watchman said, โ€œThe first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.โ€ โ€œThis is a good man,โ€ said the king. โ€œHe comes with good news.โ€

And the watchman said, I think 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.

Commentary

Context

This verse from 2 Samuel 18:27 is set during a pivotal moment in King David's life, immediately following the decisive battle against the forces of his rebellious son, Absalom. David, having been persuaded not to go into battle himself, waits anxiously at the city gate for news of the outcome. The preceding verses describe the dispatch of two messengers: Cushi (an Ethiopian) and Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok the priest. Ahimaaz, known for his swiftness and eagerness, had insisted on running even though he was initially told the news was not suitable for him to carry. The watchman, from his vantage point, observes the approaching runners, and this verse highlights his keen ability to discern the identity of the first runner based purely on his distinctive gait.

Key Themes

  • Keen Observation and Discernment: The watchman's ability to recognize Ahimaaz "by the running" demonstrates remarkable perception. This highlights how individual characteristics, even subtle ones like a running style, can be uniquely identifiable.
  • Character and Reputation: King David's immediate response, "He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings," speaks volumes about Ahimaaz's established reputation. David's trust in Ahimaaz's integrity and his expectation of positive news are directly linked to the messenger's known character. This echoes the biblical principle that a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches (Proverbs 22:1).
  • Anticipation and Hope: David's anxious waiting underscores the human experience of anticipating crucial news. His declaration of "good tidings" before the message is even delivered reflects a desperate hope for a positive resolution to the civil war, even amidst deep personal turmoil over his son.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "good tidings" translates from the Hebrew word ื‘ึฐึผืฉึนื‚ืจึธื” (besorah), which means "good news" or "a message of good things." This word carries significant weight in the Old Testament, often referring to news of victory, peace, or deliverance. Its usage here by King David, even before knowing the full details of the battle, suggests an inherent trust in Ahimaaz's character and a deep desire for a favorable outcome. This concept of "good news" foreshadows the ultimate "good news" or Gospel of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

Significance and Application

This brief exchange offers several timeless lessons:

  • The Power of Reputation: Ahimaaz's good character had preceded him, creating an immediate positive impression on King David. Our consistent actions and integrity build a reputation that can influence how others perceive us and the messages we carry, whether in our personal or professional lives.
  • Discernment in Leadership: David, despite his emotional state, demonstrates a leader's ability to assess situations and individuals. He trusts the watchman's observation and validates it with his knowledge of Ahimaaz's character.
  • Hope in Waiting: David's longing for "good tidings" reminds us of the human need for hope, especially when facing uncertainty or distress. Even in the midst of a painful civil war and personal anguish over Absalom, David clung to the possibility of good news, a testament to enduring faith and optimism.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 9:20

    And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving [is] like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously.

  • 1 Kings 1:42

    And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou [art] a valiant man, and bringest good tidings.

  • Romans 10:15

    And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

  • Proverbs 25:25

    ยถ [As] cold waters to a thirsty soul, so [is] good news from a far country.

  • Isaiah 52:7

    ยถ How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

  • Proverbs 25:13

    ยถ 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.
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