2 Samuel 18:20

And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead.

And Joab {H3097} said {H559} unto him, Thou {H376} shalt not bear tidings {H1309} this day {H3117}, but thou shalt bear tidings {H1319} another {H312} day {H3117}: but this day {H3117} thou shalt bear no tidings {H1319}, because the king's {H4428} son {H1121} is dead {H4191}.

Yo'av said to him, "You are not to be the one to bring the news today; you can convey news another day; but today you will not bring news, because the king's son is dead."

But Joab replied, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.”

And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not be the bearer of tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day; but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king’s son is dead.

Commentary

2 Samuel 18:20 finds Joab, King David's pragmatic and often ruthless commander, addressing Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok the priest. The scene unfolds amidst the immediate aftermath of the decisive battle where Absalom's rebellion was crushed, and Absalom himself was killed.

Context

This verse is set at a critical juncture following the battle in the forest of Ephraim, where Absalom's rebellion against King David was decisively put down. Absalom, caught by his hair in an oak tree, was ultimately killed by Joab and his men (2 Samuel 18:9-15). Messengers are being dispatched to inform King David of the victory, but also of the tragic death of his beloved son. Joab, understanding David's deep affection for Absalom, attempts to control the flow of this devastating news, particularly from Ahimaaz, who was known for his swiftness and perhaps his earnestness.

Key Themes

  • The Burden of Bad News: Joab's command highlights the immense difficulty and potential danger of delivering devastating news, especially to a powerful figure like a king regarding his son.
  • Joab's Pragmatism: Joab acts with strategic foresight, prioritizing the king's stability and perhaps even protecting Ahimaaz from David's immediate, overwhelming grief. He understands that King David's profound grief over Absalom's death would overshadow any victory tidings.
  • Consequences of Rebellion: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the underlying theme is the ultimate and tragic consequence of Absalom's rebellion, culminating in his death and David's sorrow.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "tidings" here is besorah (בְּשׂוֹרָה), which often refers to "good news" or a "report." Joab's repeated emphasis, "Thou shalt not bear tidings this day... but this day thou shalt bear no tidings," underscores the irony and the weight of the message. The news of victory is good, but the news of Absalom's death transforms the entire report into a source of immense sorrow, making it "no tidings" in the sense of a joyous announcement for the king.

Practical Application

This verse offers insights into the complexities of communication, especially when dealing with sensitive and painful information:

  • Wisdom in Delivery: It underscores the importance of wisdom in timing and method when delivering difficult news. Sometimes, delaying or choosing the right messenger can mitigate immediate emotional fallout.
  • Leadership and Empathy: Joab, despite his harshness, shows a form of understanding for David's potential reaction, attempting to manage the situation for his king. Leaders often face the challenge of balancing strategic realities with human emotion.
  • The Enduring Pain of Loss: The verse implicitly points to the universal pain of parental loss, a theme that resonates deeply and is explored further in David's lament later in the chapter.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 17:16 (2 votes)

    Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that [are] with him.

  • 2 Samuel 17:21 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told king David, and said unto David, Arise, and pass quickly over the water: for thus hath Ahithophel counselled against you.

  • 2 Samuel 18:33 (2 votes)

    And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!

  • 2 Samuel 18:29 (2 votes)

    And the king said, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the king's servant, and [me] thy servant, I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what [it was].

  • 2 Samuel 18:5 (2 votes)

    And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, [Deal] gently for my sake with the young man, [even] with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.

  • 2 Samuel 18:27 (2 votes)

    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.