2 Samuel 18:26

And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold [another] man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.

And the watchman {H6822} saw {H7200} another {H312} man {H376} running {H7323}: and the watchman {H6822} called {H7121} unto the porter {H7778}, and said {H559}, Behold another man {H376} running {H7323} alone. And the king {H4428} said {H559}, He also bringeth tidings {H1319}.

the watchman saw another man running and called to the gatekeeper, "There's another man running by himself."The king said, "He too must have good news."

the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!” “This one also brings good news,” said the king.

And the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold, another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.

Commentary

2 Samuel 18:26 continues the tense narrative of King David awaiting news from the battlefield where his son Absalom's rebellion is being quelled. The verse highlights the watchman's observation of a second runner approaching, confirming the imminent arrival of critical information for the anxious king.

Context of 2 Samuel 18:26

Following the decisive battle in the forest of Ephraim, where Absalom's forces were defeated, King David remained at the city gate of Mahanaim, consumed with anxiety for the outcome, especially regarding his son Absalom. This verse describes the watchman, positioned on the city wall, identifying a second messenger after the first (Ahimaaz) had already been sighted. The watchman's call to the porter, and subsequently the king's observation, underscore the heightened anticipation and the ancient method of relaying vital information from the front lines.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Anticipation and Anxiety: The scene at the gate is thick with suspense. David's eager wait for news, particularly about Absalom, makes every approaching figure significant. The watchman's repeated announcements emphasize the gravity of the unfolding events.
  • The Role of Messengers: In an era without instant communication, messengers were crucial for conveying news, whether good or bad. The arrival of a second runner suggests the importance of confirmation or the delivery of more comprehensive details, a practice often seen in ancient communication for verifying reports through multiple sources.
  • Unfolding Consequences: While the specific news isn't delivered in this verse, the very act of messengers arriving signals that the consequences of Absalom's rebellion are now being realized and will soon be known to David.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "tidings" translates the Hebrew word בְּשֹׂרָה (besorah), which simply means "news" or "message." While it can refer to good news (as in the "good tidings" of the Gospel), here it is used neutrally, referring to the crucial information about the battle's outcome. David's statement, "He also bringeth tidings," shows his understanding that this second runner is not merely a fleeing soldier but someone carrying official reports.

Practical Application and Reflection

The scene at the gate in 2 Samuel 18:26 resonates with the universal human experience of waiting for critical information. It reminds us of:

  • The Value of Information: Accurate and timely information is vital, whether in ancient warfare or modern life.
  • The Weight of Consequences: The events unfolding are a direct result of Absalom's choices, illustrating how actions inevitably lead to consequences, often impacting many, including King David who would soon mourn deeply for his son (see 2 Samuel 18:33).
  • Patience in Waiting: David's anxious wait, though painful, reflects a posture of patient endurance while awaiting God's unfolding plan, even amidst human turmoil.
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Cross-References

No cross-references found.