2 Samuel 18:31

And, behold, Cushi came; and Cushi said, Tidings, my lord the king: for the LORD hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee.

And, behold, Cushi {H3569} came {H935}; and Cushi {H3569} said {H559}, Tidings {H1319}, my lord {H113} the king {H4428}: for the LORD {H3068} hath avenged {H8199} thee this day {H3117} of all them {H3027} that rose up {H6965} against thee.

Then up came the Ethiopian, and the Ethiopian said, "There's good news for my lord the king, for ADONAI has judged in your favor and rid you of all those who rebelled against you."

Just then the Cushite came and said, “May my lord the king hear the good news: Today the LORD has avenged you of all who rose up against you!”

And, behold, the Cushite came; and the Cushite said, Tidings for my lord the king; for Jehovah hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee.

Commentary

2 Samuel 18:31 marks a pivotal moment in the aftermath of Absalom's rebellion, as King David eagerly awaits news from the battlefield. This verse captures the arrival of Cushi, one of the messengers, who delivers the crucial, albeit painful, tidings of victory and divine vindication.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is set immediately after the fierce battle in the forest of Ephraim, where David's forces, led by Joab, decisively defeated Absalom's rebellious army. King David had remained behind in the city of Mahanaim, consumed by anxiety for the outcome of the war, and particularly for the fate of his son, Absalom. Messengers were dispatched to bring him news. Cushi, whose name suggests he was a Cushite (an Ethiopian), arrives shortly after Ahimaaz, delivering the direct and unambiguous message that the rebellion has been crushed and God has acted on David's behalf.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Vindication: Cushi's declaration, "the LORD hath avenged thee this day," underscores the belief that God intervened to protect His anointed king, David, from the insurrection. It frames the military victory not merely as a human achievement but as divine justice.
  • End of Rebellion: The news signifies the definitive end of Absalom's challenge to David's throne. While the specific mention of Absalom's death is withheld by Cushi (and later confirmed more painfully), the phrase "all them that rose up against thee" clearly points to the rebellion's defeat.
  • God's Sovereignty: The verse highlights God's ultimate control over human affairs, including political power struggles and the consequences of disloyalty. Even in the midst of family strife and national unrest, God's purposes prevail.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Cushi" (Hebrew: Kūšī) indicates his possible origin from Cush (Ethiopia). The word "avenged" (Hebrew: נָקָם - naqam) is significant. It implies divine retribution or vindication, not just human revenge. It signifies God acting justly to defend the wronged party and restore order. This concept is central to understanding God's character throughout the Old Testament.

Related Scriptures

The context of Absalom's rebellion begins earlier in 2 Samuel 15:1. The immediate aftermath of this news, and David's profound grief, is powerfully depicted in 2 Samuel 18:33. The idea that vengeance or vindication belongs to the Lord is a recurring biblical theme, as seen in passages like Romans 12:19, which advises believers to leave room for God's wrath.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that even when facing deep personal or societal turmoil, God remains sovereign. He is capable of bringing about justice and vindication, even in circumstances that seem overwhelming or unjust. It encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and His ability to establish righteousness, even when the path to resolution is painful or involves difficult consequences for those who rebel against divine order or established authority. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic outcomes that can arise from pride and rebellion, even within families.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 18:19 (4 votes)

    ¶ Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies.

  • Luke 18:7 (2 votes)

    And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

  • Luke 18:8 (2 votes)

    I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

  • 2 Samuel 18:28 (2 votes)

    And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king, All is well. And he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king, and said, Blessed [be] the LORD thy God, which hath delivered up the men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king.

  • Psalms 58:10 (2 votes)

    The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

  • Psalms 94:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.

  • Psalms 94:4 (2 votes)

    [How long] shall they utter [and] speak hard things? [and] all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?