2 Samuel 18:28

KJV

And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king, All is well. And he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king, and said, Blessed [be] the LORD thy God, which hath delivered up the men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ahimaaz {H290} called {H7121}, and said {H559} unto the king {H4428}, All is well {H7965}. And he fell down {H7812} to the earth {H776} upon his face {H639} before the king {H4428}, and said {H559}, Blessed {H1288} be the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, which hath delivered up {H5462} the men {H582} that lifted up {H5375} their hand {H3027} against my lord {H113} the king {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Achima'atz called to the king, "Shalom," prostrated himself before the king with his face to the ground and said, "Blessed be ADONAI your God, who has handed over the men who rebelled against my lord the king."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Ahimaaz called out to the king, “All is well!” And he bowed facedown before the king. He continued, “Blessed be the LORD your God! He has delivered up the men who raised their hands against my lord the king.”

American Standard Version

And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king, All is well. And he bowed himself before the king with his face to the earth, and said, Blessed be Jehovah thy God, who hath delivered up the men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 18:28 captures the pivotal moment when Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, arrives before King David with news from the decisive battle against Absalom. Despite his eagerness to deliver the message, Ahimaaz strategically offers a partial report, proclaiming a general victory and attributing the deliverance of David's enemies to the Lord. His prostration before the king underscores the gravity of the moment and his profound respect, while his carefully chosen words set the stage for the full, yet painful, truth to be revealed by the subsequent messenger. This verse highlights themes of divine intervention, royal protocol, and the complex nature of conveying news that blends triumph with personal tragedy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of the rebellion of Absalom against his father, King David, a central conflict within the book of 2 Samuel. The preceding verses (2 Samuel 18:19-27) detail Ahimaaz’s insistent desire to run to the king with news, despite Joab’s initial reluctance to send him, knowing the devastating truth of Absalom's death. Ahimaaz's arrival precedes that of the Cushite, who carries the full, unvarnished report. The immediate aftermath of this verse, particularly [2 Samuel 18:29-33](/2_samuel/18-29 "2 Samuel 18:29-33 - David's Inquiry and Lament"), reveals David's intense anxiety for Absalom's fate and his profound grief upon hearing the tragic news, contrasting sharply with Ahimaaz's initial, more generalized message of victory. The entire chapter builds dramatic tension around the delivery of this critical information, emphasizing David's paternal anguish amidst a military triumph.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, messengers played a crucial role in conveying vital information, especially from battlefields. The act of running ahead, as Ahimaaz does, often signified the urgency and importance of the news. Prostration, as seen in Ahimaaz falling "down to the earth upon his face before the king," was a common and deeply significant gesture of profound respect, submission, and homage to a sovereign or deity. Kings were often seen as God's anointed, and victory in battle was frequently attributed to divine favor, reinforcing the king's legitimacy. The cultural expectation was that good news would be delivered with great reverence and thanksgiving, often involving public praise to the deity believed to have granted the victory. The delicate handling of tragic news, especially concerning a royal family member, also reflects the nuanced communication protocols of the time, where directness could be tempered by consideration for the recipient's emotional state.

* **Key Themes:** A primary theme in this verse is **Divine Deliverance and Sovereignty**. Ahimaaz's immediate declaration, "Blessed [be] the LORD thy God, which hath delivered up the men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king," unequivocally attributes the victory to Yahweh. This reinforces the broader biblical theme that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people and their leaders, particularly in granting victory over adversaries, as seen throughout the narratives of the judges and kings in [1 and 2 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel - The Rise of the Monarchy") and [1 and 2 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Divided Kingdom"). Another significant theme is **Royal Authority and Respect**, demonstrated by Ahimaaz's prostration and his deferential address to David as "my lord the king." This highlights the established hierarchy and the sacred nature of kingship in ancient Israel, even amidst internal strife. Finally, the theme of **Truth and Disclosure** is subtly present, as Ahimaaz chooses to deliver a partial truth, focusing on the positive outcome while withholding the devastating news of Absalom's death. This sets up a dramatic tension that is resolved in [2 Samuel 18:32](/2_samuel/18-32 "2 Samuel 18:32 - The Cushite's Message"), underscoring the burden and complexity of conveying difficult truths.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **All is well (Hebrew, _shalom'_):** The Hebrew word שָׁלוֹם (*shalom*) is far richer and more comprehensive than the English "all is well" or "peace." It denotes not merely the absence of conflict but a state of completeness, wholeness, welfare, prosperity, health, and security. In this context, Ahimaaz's declaration of *shalom* is a strategic and accurate report of the battle's outcome: the rebellion has been crushed, David's throne is secure, and the kingdom is safe. However, it carries a profound irony, as personal *shalom* (peace and well-being) is utterly absent for David due to Absalom's death, a detail Ahimaaz omits.
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _baruch'_):** The word בָּרוּךְ (*baruch*) means "blessed" or "praised." It is a participle derived from the verb "to bless." When applied to God, as here in "Blessed [be] the LORD thy God," it functions as an acclamation of praise and thanksgiving, acknowledging God's goodness, power, and active involvement. It is an expression of profound gratitude and worship, recognizing God as the source of the victory and deliverance. Ahimaaz's immediate use of this term indicates a deep-seated theological understanding that all significant outcomes, especially military victories, are ultimately attributable to divine intervention.
* **delivered up (Hebrew, _sagar'_):** The Hebrew verb סָגַר (*sagar*) primarily means "to shut, close, or deliver up." In this context, it signifies God's active role in handing over or giving the enemies into David's power. It implies a divine act of judgment and intervention, where God Himself ensured the defeat of those who rebelled against His anointed king. This verb emphasizes God's sovereign control over the outcome of the battle, reinforcing the idea that the victory was not merely a human achievement but a divinely orchestrated deliverance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king, All is well."**: This opening clause captures the immediate, urgent communication from Ahimaaz to King David. The phrase "All is well" (Hebrew: *shalom*) is a carefully chosen, concise summary of the military situation, indicating that the immediate threat to David's kingdom and life has been neutralized. It is a declaration of national security and the successful suppression of the rebellion, yet it deliberately omits the personal tragedy that underlies this victory.
* **"And he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king,"**: This action is a powerful visual demonstration of Ahimaaz's profound respect, submission, and reverence for King David. Prostration was a common gesture in the ancient Near East to show homage to a superior, whether a king or a deity. It underscores the gravity of the moment and Ahimaaz's recognition of David's royal authority and the solemnity of the news he was about to deliver.
* **"and said, Blessed [be] the LORD thy God, which hath delivered up the men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king."**: This is the core of Ahimaaz's message: an immediate and unequivocal attribution of the victory to Yahweh. By declaring "Blessed [be] the LORD thy God," Ahimaaz praises God for His active intervention. The phrase "delivered up the men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king" explicitly states that God Himself was responsible for the defeat of Absalom's forces, framing the victory as divine vindication of David's legitimate kingship against the rebellious faction. This theological declaration serves to both honor God and reassure David of divine favor.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its complex message. **Dramatic Irony** is prominent, as Ahimaaz's declaration of "All is well" (or *shalom*) is true in a national, military sense—the rebellion is crushed and David's throne is secure—but tragically false in a personal sense, given the death of Absalom, which Ahimaaz purposefully withholds. This creates tension for the reader who knows the full story, anticipating David's eventual grief. **Prostration** serves as a powerful visual symbol of reverence, submission, and the weight of the news being delivered, reinforcing the hierarchical structure of the ancient court. Furthermore, Ahimaaz's immediate theological declaration, "Blessed [be] the LORD thy God," functions as a **Theological Declaration**, framing the military victory within a divine context and attributing the success directly to God's intervention, a common trope in biblical narratives of warfare. Finally, the partial nature of Ahimaaz's message, while providing relief, also acts as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting that more, perhaps less welcome, news is yet to come, setting the stage for the Cushite's full report.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the ancient Israelite understanding of divine sovereignty in human affairs, particularly in matters of war and kingship. Ahimaaz's immediate and fervent praise of Yahweh for "delivering up" the enemies reflects a deep theological conviction that God is the ultimate arbiter of battles and the sustainer of His anointed. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative where God frequently intervenes to protect His people and establish His purposes through human leaders. The tension between national victory and personal tragedy also highlights the complex nature of God's providence, where divine plans unfold in ways that may bring both triumph and profound sorrow. It reminds us that while God is sovereign over all outcomes, human experiences of those outcomes are often multifaceted and emotionally challenging.

* [Psalm 3:7-8](/psalms/3-7 "Psalm 3:7-8 - God as Deliverer in Trouble")
* [Psalm 18:46-47](/psalms/18-46 "Psalm 18:46-47 - God's Vengeance and Deliverance")
* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - Victory is from the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ahimaaz's arrival and carefully phrased message offer profound insights into how we navigate life's complex realities, particularly when faced with situations that blend triumph and sorrow. His immediate declaration of praise to God, even before the full picture is revealed, serves as a powerful reminder to cultivate a posture of gratitude and worship in all circumstances. It challenges us to first acknowledge God's hand in our deliverances and victories, recognizing His sovereignty even when the path ahead remains unclear or fraught with personal pain. Furthermore, Ahimaaz's compassionate withholding of the full, devastating truth about Absalom's death speaks to the wisdom required in communicating sensitive information. It prompts us to consider not just the facts, but the heart and emotional capacity of the recipient, exercising discernment and empathy in our words. In a world where news, both good and bad, travels instantly, this ancient narrative encourages us to pause, discern, and communicate with both truth and grace, always anchoring our hope in the ultimate deliverer, the Lord our God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ahimaaz's immediate praise of God for deliverance challenge or affirm your own first responses to significant life events, both positive and negative?**
* **In what situations might it be wise to deliver news incrementally or with a focus on a broader truth, similar to Ahimaaz's approach? What are the ethical considerations?**
* **How can we maintain a spirit of gratitude and worship towards God, even when personal sorrow or difficult truths accompany moments of broader victory or blessing?**

### FAQ

**Why did Ahimaaz only say "All is well" and not the full truth about Absalom?**

Answer: Ahimaaz's decision to convey only "All is well" (Hebrew: *shalom*) and praise God for the victory, while omitting the news of Absalom's death, was likely a combination of factors. First, he was eager to be the bearer of good news, knowing that a report of victory would be well-received. Second, Joab had explicitly warned him against carrying the news of Absalom's death, understanding David's deep affection for his son and the profound grief it would cause ([2 Samuel 18:20](/2_samuel/18-20 "2 Samuel 18:20 - Joab's Warning to Ahimaaz")). Ahimaaz, as a priest's son and likely a sensitive individual, may have chosen to spare David the immediate shock, allowing the less personally invested Cushite to deliver the devastating news. His message focused on the national well-being and God's deliverance, which was indeed true, even if the personal cost was immense. This strategic omission highlights the delicate balance of truth and compassion in communication, especially when dealing with a grieving leader.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ahimaaz's declaration of "All is well" and his praise for God's deliverance in 2 Samuel 18:28 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Ahimaaz's *shalom* was a temporary, earthly peace achieved through military victory and accompanied by profound personal loss, Jesus is the true "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")). His victory on the cross was not over earthly enemies but over the ultimate adversaries of sin, death, and the devil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). Through His resurrection, He truly "delivered up" these spiritual foes, securing an eternal *shalom*—a comprehensive well-being, reconciliation with God, and inner peace—for all who believe ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Christ")). Unlike David's kingdom, which remained susceptible to rebellion and sorrow, Christ's kingdom is eternal and unshakable ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")). The "good news" (gospel) that Christ brings is the ultimate "all is well," a message of divine deliverance that transcends earthly circumstances and offers true, lasting peace, even in the face of personal suffering, because He has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ Has Overcome the World")).

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 Samuel 14:4

And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king.

Genesis 14:20

And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

2 Chronicles 20:26

And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.

Psalms 124:6

¶ Blessed [be] the LORD, who hath not given us [as] a prey to their teeth.

1 Samuel 24:18

And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.

1 Samuel 26:8

Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not [smite] him the second time.

2 Samuel 22:27

With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury.