2 Samuel 18:31

KJV

And, behold, Cushi came; and Cushi said, Tidings, my lord the king: for the LORD hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And, behold, Cushi {H3569} came {H935}; and Cushi {H3569} said {H559}, Tidings {H1319}, my lord {H113} the king {H4428}: for the LORD {H3068} hath avenged {H8199} thee this day {H3117} of all them {H3027} that rose up {H6965} against thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then up came the Ethiopian, and the Ethiopian said, "There's good news for my lord the king, for ADONAI has judged in your favor and rid you of all those who rebelled against you."

Berean Standard Bible

Just then the Cushite came and said, “May my lord the king hear the good news: Today the LORD has avenged you of all who rose up against you!”

American Standard Version

And, behold, the Cushite came; and the Cushite said, Tidings for my lord the king; for Jehovah hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 18:31 captures a moment of profound tension and revelation in the aftermath of Absalom's rebellion, as King David anxiously awaits news from the decisive battle. This verse records the arrival of Cushi, a messenger, who delivers the critical, though emotionally complex, tidings of victory and, more significantly, the divine vindication of David's kingship against all who rose up against him. It sets the stage for David's personal grief amidst national triumph.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of the battle between David's forces, led by Joab, and Absalom's rebel army in the dense forest of Ephraim. David, having remained in Mahanaim, explicitly commanded his generals to deal gently with Absalom. The immediate preceding verses detail the defeat of Absalom's army and Absalom's own death at Joab's hand, despite David's command. Ahimaaz, son of Zadok, first runs to deliver news but strategically avoids confirming Absalom's death, offering only vague tidings of a great tumult. Cushi, arriving shortly after, is more direct, though still couching the news of Absalom's demise in the broader context of the rebellion's defeat. This narrative sequence builds suspense, highlighting David's deep personal concern for his son above all else, even the victory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold during a period of intense civil strife within Israel, stemming from Absalom's audacious coup against his father, King David. Absalom's rebellion was a significant challenge to David's divinely appointed kingship and represented a severe test of the nascent monarchy's stability. The battle itself, fought in the rugged terrain of the forest of Ephraim, was brutal and decisive. Messengers played a crucial role in ancient warfare, serving as the primary means of communication between the battlefield and the king. Cushi, likely a Cushite or Ethiopian, may have been chosen for his speed or simply found himself in a position to deliver the news. His ethnic background might suggest a neutral party, or perhaps a trusted servant, in David's diverse court. The concept of "avenging" was deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern thought, often implying a divine act of restoring justice and order, particularly for an anointed king whose authority was challenged.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive in 2 Samuel. Foremost is **Divine Vindication**, as Cushi explicitly attributes David's victory to the LORD's intervention, framing the military triumph as a divine act of justice for David's legitimate rule. This reinforces the theme of God's unwavering support for His anointed king, even amidst David's personal failings and the consequences of his actions, as seen earlier in the book (e.g., [2 Samuel 12:7-12](/2_samuel/12-7 "2 Samuel 12:7-12 - Nathan's Prophecy to David")). Another significant theme is the **Consequences of Rebellion**, particularly against God's chosen authority. Absalom's rebellion, born of pride and ambition, ultimately leads to his tragic demise, illustrating the severe outcomes of defying divine order. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Painful Victory**, where the triumph over enemies is inextricably linked with profound personal loss for David, foreshadowing his intense grief over Absalom's death, which dominates the immediate aftermath of these "tidings" ([2 Samuel 18:33](/2_samuel/18-33 "2 Samuel 18:33 - David's Lament for Absalom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cushi (Hebrew, _Kūšī_):** This name literally means "Cushite" or "Ethiopian." While some scholars suggest it might be a proper name, it most likely indicates his ethnic origin. The presence of a Cushite in David's inner circle or as a trusted messenger highlights the diverse composition of David's kingdom and court. Historically, Cushites were known for their speed and endurance, making them ideal messengers. His directness in delivering the news, in contrast to Ahimaaz's circumspection, also distinguishes him.
* **Tidings (Hebrew, _bĕśōrāh'_):** This word typically refers to "good news" or "glad tidings," often associated with victory or the birth of a king. While the news of victory over Absalom's rebellion is indeed "good" for David's reign, the implicit news of Absalom's death transforms these tidings into a bittersweet, deeply painful announcement for the king personally. The term thus carries a profound irony in this context, signifying national triumph but personal tragedy.
* **Avenged (Hebrew, _nāqam_):** This verb signifies more than simple human revenge. In a theological context, as used here, it denotes divine retribution, vindication, or the act of God restoring justice and order by punishing wrongdoers and defending the innocent or the wronged party. For the LORD to "avenge" David means that God Himself has acted to uphold David's legitimate kingship and to punish those who unlawfully rose against His anointed. It underscores God's active involvement in human affairs and His commitment to justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, Cushi came; and Cushi said, Tidings, my lord the king:"** This opening establishes the arrival of the second messenger, Cushi, immediately after Ahimaaz. The repetition of "Cushi" emphasizes his presence and the directness of his address to David. The phrase "Tidings, my lord the king" is a standard salutation for a messenger bringing important news, immediately raising David's anticipation, particularly given his prior anxiety about the battle's outcome and Absalom's fate.
* **"for the LORD hath avenged thee this day":** This is the core of Cushi's message, attributing the victory directly to divine intervention. Cushi frames the military success not as a result of David's army's prowess alone, but as an act of God. The use of "avenged" here highlights God's justice and His active role in protecting His anointed king from rebellion. It signifies that the rebellion was not merely a political uprising but an affront to God's established order.
* **"of all them that rose up against thee."** This concluding phrase broadens the scope of God's vindication beyond just Absalom to encompass all who participated in the rebellion. While it avoids explicitly stating Absalom's death, it implicitly includes him among "them that rose up against" David. This circumlocution allows Cushi to deliver the news of the rebellion's end without directly inflicting the painful news of Absalom's demise, leaving David to infer the full extent of the victory's cost.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. There is significant **Foreshadowing** as Cushi's arrival, following Ahimaaz's evasive report, signals that more definitive and likely difficult news is forthcoming. The very term "Tidings" carries a profound **Irony**; while it signifies a military victory and divine vindication, for David, it also means the tragic loss of his son, transforming "good news" into a source of immense grief. Cushi's phrasing, "all them that rose up against thee," serves as a masterful **Euphemism** or **Circumlocution**, allowing him to convey the end of the rebellion and Absalom's implied fate without directly uttering the painful words of his death. This delicate handling of sensitive information underscores the cultural norms of respecting the king's feelings. Finally, the explicit declaration, "the LORD hath avenged thee," is an instance of **Divine Attribution**, framing the military outcome not merely as a human triumph but as a direct act of God's justice and sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 18:31 profoundly illustrates God's active sovereignty in human affairs, particularly in upholding His chosen authorities and administering justice. The declaration that "the LORD hath avenged thee" underscores a foundational biblical truth: ultimate vindication and retribution belong to God. This is not a call for human vengeance but an affirmation that God will ultimately right wrongs, defend His own, and bring about His purposes, even through the complex and often painful realities of human conflict. It reminds us that God's justice is not always immediate, but it is certain, and His plan for His people and His kingdom will prevail despite opposition. This divine vindication of David serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people, including their leaders, are deeply flawed.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine, and Recompense")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Beloved, Never Avenge Yourselves")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart is in the Hand of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a poignant lesson on the nature of victory and the sovereignty of God in the midst of personal and national turmoil. For David, triumph over his enemies came at the unbearable cost of his son's life, a stark reminder that God's vindication does not always spare us from profound personal pain. It challenges us to consider how we define "victory" in our own lives – is it merely the absence of external threats, or is it the deeper assurance of God's justice and purposes unfolding, even when they involve difficult sacrifices or losses? The account encourages us to trust in God's ultimate justice and His ability to restore order, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust. It also calls for empathy towards leaders who bear heavy burdens, and a sober reflection on the destructive power of pride and rebellion, even within the closest relationships. Ultimately, it invites us to find solace in the truth that God is the one who avenges, ensuring that righteousness will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we reconcile the concept of divine "avenging" with God's character of love and mercy?**
* **In what ways might our personal "victories" still carry a profound cost, and how can we navigate such bittersweet outcomes with faith?**
* **What does it mean to truly trust God's sovereignty and justice when facing situations where we feel wronged or betrayed?**
* **How does David's reaction to Cushi's news inform our understanding of leadership and the burdens leaders carry?**

### FAQ

**Why did Cushi deliver the news instead of Ahimaaz, who arrived first?**

Answer: Ahimaaz, while eager to deliver news of the victory, deliberately withheld the specific, painful detail of Absalom's death, perhaps out of respect for David's known affection for his son or fear of being the bearer of such terrible news. He reported only a general "great tumult." Cushi, on the other hand, was more direct and unambiguous, stating that "the LORD hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee," which implicitly included Absalom. Joab had specifically instructed Ahimaaz not to run with the news of Absalom's death, knowing David's heart. Cushi, likely less sensitive to the nuances of the family dynamic or simply more focused on delivering the full report, provided the necessary, albeit painful, clarity.

**What is the significance of Cushi being a Cushite (Ethiopian)?**

Answer: The fact that Cushi was a Cushite (Ethiopian) is notable for several reasons. It indicates the diverse composition of David's kingdom and court, suggesting that people from various ethnic backgrounds served in positions of trust. Cushites were often renowned for their speed and endurance, making them excellent messengers. Furthermore, as a non-Israelite, Cushi might have been perceived as a more neutral party, less entangled in the internal politics and family drama of David's house. His directness in delivering the full, albeit painful, truth contrasts with Ahimaaz's more cautious approach, highlighting that sometimes the most straightforward messenger, regardless of origin, is needed for difficult tidings.

**How does the word "avenged" in this verse relate to God's character?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "avenged" (נָקָם - _naqam_) in this context is crucial for understanding God's character. It does not imply a human-like desire for revenge driven by malice or personal grievance. Instead, when attributed to the LORD, it signifies divine retribution, vindication, and the restoration of justice and order. God "avenges" by upholding righteousness, defending the innocent, and punishing those who defy His established authority or moral law. In this case, God vindicated David's legitimate kingship against the unlawful rebellion of Absalom, demonstrating His sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant promises. This aligns with broader biblical themes where God is portrayed as the ultimate judge who ensures justice prevails ([Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "tidings" of victory and divine vindication delivered to King David in 2 Samuel 18:31 powerfully foreshadow the ultimate and perfect victory achieved by a greater King, Jesus Christ. David, as God's anointed, was divinely avenged against those who rebelled against his earthly throne, securing his kingdom through a costly battle. This earthly vindication points to the spiritual reality of Christ's triumph. Jesus, the true [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus"), faced the ultimate rebellion: humanity's sin and Satan's dominion. His victory was not achieved through military might but through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection. The "avenging" of the LORD in 2 Samuel 18:31 finds its supreme fulfillment in God's vindication of Jesus, raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand, demonstrating His triumph over sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up") and [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumphing Over Principalities")). The "tidings" of the gospel are the ultimate good news, declaring that through Christ, God has avenged humanity against its spiritual enemies, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe, ushering in a kingdom that will never end ([Luke 2:10-11](/luke/2-10 "Luke 2:10-11 - Good News of Great Joy")). While David's victory came with the profound personal grief over his son, Christ's victory, though costly to Himself, brings ultimate joy and redemption to all who are adopted as sons and daughters into His eternal family.

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 18:19

¶ Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies.

Luke 18:7

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

Luke 18:8

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

2 Samuel 18:28

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.

Psalms 58:10

The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

Psalms 94:1

¶ O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.

Psalms 94:4

[How long] shall they utter [and] speak hard things? [and] all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?