2 Samuel 18:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

The watchman said, “The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” “This is a good man,” said the king. “He comes with good news.”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
In 2 Samuel 18:27, the watchman's keen observation identifies the swift runner as Ahimaaz, son of Zadok, based on his distinctive gait. King David, awaiting news of the battle against Absalom, immediately affirms Ahimaaz's character, declaring, "He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings." This verse captures a moment of intense anticipation, highlighting the power of reputation, the importance of discernment, and the human longing for resolution and hope amidst conflict.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of 2 Samuel, specifically within chapter 18, which details the decisive battle between King David's forces and those of his rebellious son, Absalom. David, having been persuaded by his commanders not to join the battle personally, remains at the city gate of Mahanaim, consumed by anxiety for the outcome and, more poignantly, for the fate of his son. The preceding verses describe the dispatch of two messengers: first Cushi, then Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok the priest. Ahimaaz, known for his speed and eagerness, had insisted on running with the news despite Joab's initial reluctance to send him with what he knew would be distressing tidings regarding Absalom's death. The watchman, positioned atop the gatehouse, serves as the crucial link between the battlefield and the waiting king, providing the first glimpse of the approaching messengers and thus, the first hint of the battle's resolution. The tension builds as the identity of the runner is confirmed, leading directly into the delivery of the news in the subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, watchmen played a vital role in city defense and communication, serving as the first line of intelligence gathering. Stationed on elevated towers or gatehouses, they were responsible for spotting approaching individuals or armies from afar and relaying information to the city's inhabitants or leaders. Their ability to discern details like the number of people, their speed, or even their distinctive running style, as seen here, was crucial for security and preparedness. Messengers, particularly those carrying news of battle, held immense importance, as their arrival signaled either victory or defeat, life or death. The practice of sending multiple messengers, often with varying speeds or routes, was a common strategy to ensure the news reached its destination and to allow for confirmation. The civil war between David and Absalom was a deeply traumatic event for the nation, tearing families and loyalties apart. David's anxious wait at the gate reflects the profound personal and national stakes involved, making the arrival of any messenger a moment of profound significance.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several potent themes. Firstly, **keen observation and discernment** are evident in the watchman's ability to recognize Ahimaaz solely by his running style, showcasing a remarkable perceptual skill that goes beyond mere sight. This highlights the importance of attentiveness and the unique characteristics that define individuals. Secondly, **character and reputation** are paramount, as King David's immediate and positive assessment of Ahimaaz—"He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings"—speaks volumes about Ahimaaz's established integrity and trustworthiness. This echoes the biblical wisdom that a [good name is more desirable than great riches](/proverbs/22-1 "Proverbs 22:1 - A Good Name is Precious") and that one's character often precedes them, shaping expectations. Finally, **anticipation, hope, and the nature of tidings** form a central theme. David's desperate longing for "good tidings" underscores the universal human experience of waiting for crucial news, especially in times of crisis. His declaration of "good tidings" before the message is even delivered reflects a profound desire for a positive outcome to the civil war, even amidst his deep personal anguish over Absalom's rebellion, a hope that is ultimately mixed with sorrow, as revealed in [2 Samuel 18:33](/2_samuel/18-33 "2 Samuel 18:33 - David's Lament for Absalom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Me thinketh (Hebrew, _rā'â'_):** This word, often translated as "to see," "to perceive," or "to discern," emphasizes the watchman's active and perceptive observation. It's not merely a casual glance but a focused act of recognition, suggesting an intimate familiarity with Ahimaaz's unique gait. The watchman's skill underscores the importance of trained perception in his role.
* **running (Hebrew, _rûṣ'_):** This term specifically refers to the act of running, but in this context, it highlights the distinctive manner or style of Ahimaaz's movement. It implies a recognizable rhythm, speed, or form that sets him apart from other runners, allowing for identification even from a distance. This emphasizes the individuality of movement and the watchman's keen eye for such details.
* **good tidings (Hebrew, _besorah'_):** This significant Hebrew noun means "good news" or "glad tidings." It is often used in the Old Testament to convey news of victory, peace, or deliverance. David's use of this phrase before hearing the actual message reveals his hopeful expectation and deep desire for a favorable outcome, reflecting his trust in Ahimaaz's character and perhaps a subconscious yearning for the conflict to end well. This word carries profound theological weight, foreshadowing the ultimate "good news" of the Gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok."**: This clause establishes the watchman's acute observational skill. From his vantage point, he identifies the first approaching runner not by facial features or clothing, but by the distinctive way he runs. This speaks to Ahimaaz's unique and recognizable gait, perhaps known to many in David's inner circle, and the watchman's exceptional ability to discern it from afar. The mention of "Ahimaaz the son of Zadok" immediately identifies him as a person of significant standing, being the son of one of the chief priests.
* **"And the king said, He [is] a good man, and cometh with good tidings."**: David's immediate response to the watchman's identification is a profound testament to Ahimaaz's character. The king's affirmation, "He is a good man," indicates a deep trust and respect for Ahimaaz's integrity, loyalty, and moral standing. This reputation precedes him, influencing David's expectation that the news he brings will be positive ("good tidings"). This statement reveals David's hopeful disposition and his reliance on the character of his messengers, even before the content of the message is known.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Characterization** is prominent, as Ahimaaz's established reputation as a "good man" is immediately affirmed by King David, shaping the reader's perception of him even before he speaks. This rapid character assessment highlights the value of integrity. **Foreshadowing** is also present, as David's declaration of "good tidings" creates an expectation of positive news, which is partially fulfilled by the victory but also tragically undercut by the news of Absalom's death, creating a subtle **irony**. The watchman's keen observation, identifying Ahimaaz by his unique "running," serves as a form of **recognition**, a classic narrative device that builds **suspense** as the audience, like David, eagerly awaits the content of the message. The entire exchange is a moment of high **tension**, building towards the revelation of the battle's outcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple exchange between a watchman and a king resonates with profound theological and thematic truths. It underscores the biblical emphasis on the power of a good reputation, demonstrating how consistent character and integrity can precede an individual, opening doors and fostering trust. Ahimaaz's "good name" was not merely a social construct but a reflection of his inner disposition and faithful service, echoing the divine preference for righteousness. Furthermore, the scene highlights the human longing for "good tidings," a deep-seated desire for resolution, peace, and deliverance in times of distress. This yearning points to a universal human condition that ultimately finds its deepest fulfillment in God's redemptive work. The watchman's discernment also subtly reflects God's own perfect knowledge and perception, seeing beyond superficial appearances to the true nature of things. The anticipation of a messenger with news also foreshadows the divine messengers and the ultimate message of salvation.

* [Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "Proverbs 22:1 - A Good Name is More Desirable Than Great Riches")
* [Isaiah 52:7](/isaiah/52-7 "Isaiah 52:7 - How Beautiful Are the Feet of Those Who Bring Good News")
* [Romans 10:15](/romans/10-15 "Romans 10:15 - How Beautiful Are the Feet of Those Who Preach the Gospel of Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief interaction in 2 Samuel 18:27 offers rich soil for personal reflection and application. Ahimaaz's established reputation as a "good man" reminds us that our character is a powerful testimony, often speaking volumes before we utter a single word. What kind of reputation are we building through our daily actions, our integrity, and our faithfulness? Do our lives consistently reflect the "goodness" that would lead others to trust the messages we carry, whether those are words of encouragement, truth, or the Gospel itself? Furthermore, David's anxious waiting for "good tidings" mirrors our own human experience of anticipation, especially when facing uncertainty or distress. In a world full of confusing or disheartening news, where do we place our hope? This passage invites us to cultivate a spirit of discernment, like the watchman, to perceive truth amidst the noise, and to anchor our hope in the ultimate "good tidings" that transcend earthly circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does your reputation precede you in your relationships and endeavors?**
* **What specific actions or habits can you cultivate to build a reputation of integrity and goodness?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently waiting for "good tidings," and how does this verse encourage you in your waiting?**
* **How can you develop greater spiritual discernment to recognize truth and goodness in the world around you?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ahimaaz so eager to run with the news, even when Joab initially resisted sending him?**

Answer: Ahimaaz, as the son of Zadok the priest, was a prominent and respected figure, known for his loyalty to David and his swiftness. His eagerness to run, even when Joab suggested the news was not suitable for him (likely because it involved Absalom's death, which would deeply grieve David), suggests a combination of youthful zeal, genuine concern for the king, and a desire to be the bearer of significant news. He was a trusted messenger in the past, having served David during Absalom's rebellion by relaying intelligence (see [2 Samuel 15:36](/2_samuel/15-36 "2 Samuel 15:36 - Ahimaaz and Jonathan as Messengers")). His insistence likely stemmed from a deep sense of duty and a desire to personally bring comfort or clarity to the anxious king, even if the full truth was painful.

**What is the significance of King David calling Ahimaaz a "good man" before hearing his message?**

Answer: David's immediate declaration, "He is a good man," speaks volumes about Ahimaaz's established character and reputation. In ancient cultures, a person's "goodness" encompassed not just moral uprightness but also reliability, loyalty, and trustworthiness. David's statement indicates his profound trust in Ahimaaz's integrity, which in turn led him to expect "good tidings." This highlights the powerful impact of a consistent, virtuous character: it builds confidence and shapes expectations, even in moments of high tension and uncertainty. It also suggests that David valued the messenger as much as, if not more than, the message itself, knowing that a good man would handle even difficult news with wisdom and care.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "good tidings" that King David so desperately longed for in 2 Samuel 18:27 find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Hebrew word `besorah` (good tidings) used here is the Old Testament equivalent of the Greek `euangelion`, from which we derive our word "Gospel." While Ahimaaz brought news of a temporary victory mixed with profound sorrow, Jesus Christ is the bringer of the eternal "good news" of salvation, victory over sin and death, and reconciliation with God. The prophet Isaiah spoke of the [beautiful feet of those who bring good news](/isaiah/52-7 "Isaiah 52:7 - The Messenger of Good News"), a prophecy powerfully echoed by Paul in [Romans 10:15](/romans/10-15 "Romans 10:15 - How Beautiful Are the Feet of Those Who Preach the Gospel of Peace"), describing those who proclaim the Gospel. Just as David anxiously awaited a messenger, humanity throughout history has longed for a deliverer, a bringer of true peace and hope. This longing is perfectly met in Jesus, whom the angels announced as bringing [good tidings of great joy](/luke/2-10 "Luke 2:10 - Good Tidings of Great Joy") to all people. He is the ultimate "good man," whose perfect character and sinless life validate the divine message He brings. The "good tidings" of the [Gospel of Jesus Christ](/mark/1-1 "Mark 1:1 - The Beginning of the Gospel") are not merely news about a battle won, but the transformative message that [God so loved the world that He gave His only Son](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"), offering eternal life to all who believe.

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 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

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

Isaiah 52:7

¶ 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

¶ 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.