2 Samuel 18:24

And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.

And David {H1732} sat {H3427} between the two {H8147} gates {H8179}: and the watchman {H6822} went up {H3212} to the roof {H1406} over the gate {H8179} unto the wall {H2346}, and lifted up {H5375} his eyes {H5869}, and looked {H7200}, and behold a man {H376} running {H7323} alone.

David was sitting between the two gates. A watchman went up to the roof of the gate and out onto the wall, raised his eyes, looked, and saw there a man running by himself.

Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall, looked out, and saw a man running alone.

Now David was sitting between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, a man running alone.

Commentary

2 Samuel 18:24 captures a moment of intense suspense and anticipation in the life of King David, as he awaits news from the critical battle against his rebellious son, Absalom. The verse places David in a strategic and public location – "between the two gates" of the city – while a watchman, positioned on the city wall, scans the horizon for any sign of a messenger.

Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of one of the most painful periods in David's reign: Absalom's rebellion. King David had fled Jerusalem, and his forces, led by Joab, had engaged Absalom's army in a decisive battle in the Wood of Ephraim. David himself chose not to go to battle, perhaps to prevent his capture or death which could have demoralized his troops, or due to his deep personal conflict over fighting his own son. Instead, he remained behind, consumed by anxiety, particularly for Absalom's safety, having commanded his generals to "deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom" (2 Samuel 18:5). The city gate was traditionally the center of public life, business, and justice, making it the natural place for the king to receive vital intelligence.

Key Themes

  • Anxious Expectation: David's posture, "sitting between the two gates," conveys his profound personal anguish and the nation's suspense as they awaited the outcome of a battle that determined the future of the kingdom and the life of the king's beloved, yet rebellious, son.
  • Vigilance and Communication: The role of the watchman (Hebrew: ṣōpheh) highlights the critical importance of intelligence and early warning systems in ancient warfare. His elevated position and keen observation were vital for the safety and knowledge of the city's inhabitants. This theme of the watchman's responsibility is echoed in various prophetic books.
  • The City Gate as a Hub: The "gate" in ancient Israel was far more than an entrance; it was the primary public square, where elders sat, judgments were rendered, and news was disseminated. David's presence there underscores the public nature of the crisis and the anticipation of a national announcement.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "between the two gates" (Hebrew: bên shĕnê hash-shĕʻārim) likely refers to the space between the inner and outer gates of a double-gated fortification system, a common defensive structure in ancient cities. This area offered a secure and strategic vantage point for the king to receive messengers and for the watchman to observe the approaching terrain. The watchman "lifted up his eyes," emphasizing the intense focus and visual effort involved in scanning the distant landscape for movement.

Practical Application

This scene offers a powerful illustration of waiting in uncertainty. Like David, we often find ourselves in moments of anxious expectation, awaiting news or outcomes that profoundly impact our lives. The watchman's diligence reminds us of the importance of vigilance and attentiveness in our own spiritual and practical lives, being ready to discern signs and receive divine messages. Ultimately, this passage sets the stage for the news of Absalom's death, a moment of profound grief for David, reminding us of the often-painful reality of consequences and the complexities of human relationships, even within families (see 2 Samuel 18:33).

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 19:8 (3 votes)

    Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told unto all the people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent.

  • 2 Samuel 18:4 (2 votes)

    And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.

  • 2 Samuel 13:34 (2 votes)

    But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.

  • 1 Samuel 4:13 (2 votes)

    And when he came, lo, Eli sat upon a seat by the wayside watching: for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city, and told [it], all the city cried out.

  • Isaiah 21:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?

  • Isaiah 21:12 (2 votes)

    The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.

  • Ezekiel 33:2 (2 votes)

    Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: