### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼĂchîymaʻats**, represented by `{{H290}}`, means "brother of anger". The name appears **15 times** in **15 unique verses** and is used to identify three distinct Israelites in the biblical record. The most prominent of these is the son of Zadok the priest, a key figure during the reign of King David.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary narrative involving **ʼĂchîymaʻats** `{{H290}}` occurs during Absalom's rebellion. As the son of Zadok `{{H6659}}` the priest `{{H3548}}`, he was part of a loyal intelligence network for King David `{{H1732}}`. He and Jonathan `{{H3083}}` stayed by Enrogel `{{H5883}}` to relay messages to the exiled king, receiving information from a wench `{{H8198}}` so they would not be seen entering the city `{{H5892}}` [[2 Samuel 17:17]]. After the battle, **ʼĂchîymaʻats** eagerly volunteered to run `{{H7323}}` and bear the king `{{H4428}}` tidings `{{H1319}}` of the LORD's `{{H3068}}` victory over his enemies `{{H341}}` [[2 Samuel 18:19]]. Though initially held back by Joab `{{H3097}}`, he insisted on running and, being a swift runner, outran `{{H5674}}` another messenger [[2 Samuel 18:23]]. He delivered the good `{{H2896}}` news of victory but tactfully avoided telling David about Absalom's death [[2 Samuel 18:29]]. Other men named **Ahimaaz** include the father of Saul's `{{H7586}}` wife `{{H802}}`, Ahinoam `{{H293}}` [[1 Samuel 14:50]], and an officer in Naphtali `{{H5321}}` who married a daughter `{{H1323}}` of Solomon `{{H8010}}` [[1 Kings 4:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to the narrative of **ʼĂchîymaʻats**:
* `{{H6659}}` **Tsâdôwq** (just; Tsadok): The father of **Ahimaaz**, a high priest `{{H3548}}` loyal to King David. The lineage is established in [[1 Chronicles 6:8]] and [[2 Samuel 15:27]], placing **Ahimaaz** in a significant priestly line.
* `{{H1319}}` **bâsar** (to announce (glad news)): This verb describes the action **Ahimaaz** was so eager to perform for the king [[2 Samuel 18:19]]. It signifies the act of being a messenger of good news.
* `{{H1309}}` **bᵉsôwrâh** (glad tidings): This noun represents the message itself. The king recognized that as a good `{{H2896}}` man `{{H376}}`, **Ahimaaz** would be coming with "good **tidings**" [[2 Samuel 18:27]].
* `{{H7323}}` **rûwts** (to run): A key action associated with **Ahimaaz**. His skill and eagerness as a runner `{{H4794}}` are highlighted as he insists on carrying the news and outpaces another messenger [[2 Samuel 18:23]].
### Theological Significance
The story of **ʼĂchîymaʻats**, son of Zadok, carries significant narrative weight, illustrating several key virtues:
* **Priestly Service:** His identity is rooted in the priestly line of Zadok `{{H6659}}`, a line that would serve in the temple `{{H1004}}` Solomon `{{H8010}}` built ([[1 Chronicles 6:8]], [[1 Chronicles 6:10]]). He begat `{{H3205}}` Azariah `{{H5838}}`, continuing this important lineage [[1 Chronicles 6:9]].
* **Loyalty to the King:** He demonstrated unwavering loyalty to David, serving as a vital messenger at great personal risk during a dangerous conspiracy ([[2 Samuel 15:36]], [[2 Samuel 17:17]]).
* **Zeal for God's Victory:** His desire to run `{{H7323}}` was not just for the king's sake, but to report that the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` had avenged `{{H8199}}` the king of his enemies `{{H341}}` [[2 Samuel 18:19]]. Upon arrival, he fell down `{{H7812}}` and blessed `{{H1288}}` the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` for the victory [[2 Samuel 18:28]].
* **Prudence and Discretion:** Despite his eagerness, he showed wisdom by withholding the painful news of Absalom's `{{H53}}` death. He claimed he saw a great `{{H1419}}` tumult `{{H1995}}` but did not know `{{H3045}}` the details, sparing both himself and the king from the initial shock [[2 Samuel 18:29]].
### Summary
In summary, while the name **ʼĂchîymaʻats** `{{H290}}` is borne by three individuals, the son of Zadok the priest stands out as a memorable figure of loyalty and zeal. His narrative arc highlights his role in the priestly succession, his dangerous service as a messenger for King David, and his famous race to deliver news of the LORD's deliverance. His story is a powerful example of faithful service, combining fervent energy with the wisdom to know what to say and when to say it.
TRV