2 Samuel 18:21

Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.

Then said {H559} Joab {H3097} to Cushi {H3569}, Go {H3212} tell {H5046} the king {H4428} what thou hast seen {H7200}. And Cushi {H3569} bowed {H7812} himself unto Joab {H3097}, and ran {H7323}.

Then Yo'av said to the Ethiopian, "Go, tell the king what you saw."The Ethiopian bowed to Yo'av, then ran off.

So Joab said to a Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running.

Then said Joab to the Cushite, Go, tell the king what thou hast seen. And the Cushite bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.

Commentary

2 Samuel 18:21 marks a pivotal moment in the aftermath of Absalom's rebellion, showcasing the critical role of messengers in ancient warfare and the difficult task of delivering news to a king.

Context

This verse immediately follows the defeat of Absalom's forces and his subsequent death at the hands of Joab, King David's commander, and his armor-bearers. Despite King David's explicit command to deal gently with Absalom for his sake, Joab took matters into his own hands, recognizing the ongoing threat Absalom posed to the kingdom. The battle was fought in the forest of Ephraim, and the news of Absalom's demise was immensely sensitive, knowing it would bring profound grief to David. Joab, ever the pragmatic military leader, carefully chooses who will carry this weighty message to the king.

Key Themes

  • The Burden of Bad News: In ancient times, messengers bringing news of defeat or death often faced the king's wrath or displeasure. Joab's choice of Cushi (and his subsequent initial refusal of Ahimaaz) highlights the delicate nature of delivering such a message to a grieving father and king.
  • Obedience and Duty: Cushi's immediate bowing and swift departure demonstrates his prompt obedience to Joab's command, fulfilling his duty without question, despite the implied difficulty of the task.
  • Joab's Pragmatism: Joab's decision to send Cushi, rather than Ahimaaz (who was eager to run), suggests a strategic choice. While the text doesn't explicitly state Joab's reasoning, it could be to spare Ahimaaz, a priest's son and a loyal supporter of David, from the king's potential anger or grief, or simply to ensure the news was delivered by someone less emotionally invested.
  • Consequences of Rebellion: The verse stands as part of the tragic conclusion to Absalom's audacious rebellion, underscoring the devastating personal and national cost of challenging God-ordained authority.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Cushi" (or "the Cushite") indicates his origin from Cush (ancient Ethiopia/Nubia). This suggests he was a foreigner, perhaps a slave or a mercenary in David's army. His foreign status might have made him a less emotionally charged messenger for David, or perhaps Joab believed he would be less likely to be punished severely for bringing the news of Absalom's death, compared to an Israelite who had a closer relationship with the king.

Practical Application

This verse offers insights into the challenges of communication, especially when delivering difficult truths. It highlights the importance of discretion and careful consideration in how sensitive information is conveyed. For leaders, it underscores the weight of decisions made in crisis and the responsibility to consider the impact of news on those who receive it. For individuals, it speaks to the virtue of obedience and faithfully executing one's duties, even when they are unpleasant or carry significant emotional weight.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.