2 Samuel 18 22

2 Samuel 18:22 kjv

Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushy. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?

2 Samuel 18:22 nkjv

And Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said again to Joab, "But whatever happens, please let me also run after the Cushite." So Joab said, "Why will you run, my son, since you have no news ready?"

2 Samuel 18:22 niv

Ahimaaz son of Zadok again said to Joab, "Come what may, please let me run behind the Cushite." But Joab replied, "My son, why do you want to go? You don't have any news that will bring you a reward."

2 Samuel 18:22 esv

Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said again to Joab, "Come what may, let me also run after the Cushite." And Joab said, "Why will you run, my son, seeing that you will have no reward for the news?"

2 Samuel 18:22 nlt

But Ahimaaz continued to plead with Joab, "Whatever happens, please let me go, too." "Why should you go, my son?" Joab replied. "There will be no reward for your news."

2 Samuel 18 verses

2 Samuel 18 22 Meaning

This verse portrays a brief exchange between Joab and Ahimaaz after the decisive battle against Absalom. Joab, discerning the king's heart, questions Ahimaaz's persistent desire to deliver the news, knowing that the ultimate message—the death of Absalom—would bring David deep grief rather than joy or reward for the messenger. Joab is essentially warning Ahimaaz that, despite his enthusiasm, the tidings he bears will yield no honor or favor, but rather potential distress for the king. It highlights the often precarious role of messengers of significant, especially ill-received, news in royal courts.

2 Samuel 18 22 Context

2 Samuel 18 recounts the climax of Absalom's rebellion against King David. The battle, fought in the dense forest of Ephraim, resulted in a decisive victory for David's forces. Crucially, Absalom, while fleeing, became entangled in an oak tree and was found by Joab, David's military commander, who despite David's explicit command to spare Absalom, summarily killed him. Joab then sends two messengers to David: first, a Cushite, an unnamed individual (possibly a mercenary or foreigner, thus a less socially sensitive choice for bearer of dire news), and second, Ahimaaz, son of Zadok the priest, who had previously acted as a reliable messenger for David (2 Sam 15:36, 17:17). Joab knows David's deep affection for Absalom, despite the rebellion. Therefore, the "tidings" of victory would be overshadowed by the news of his beloved son's death. Joab’s statement in 2 Samuel 18:22 directly precedes Ahimaaz's second fervent plea to be allowed to run, highlighting Ahimaaz's persistent zeal despite Joab’s warnings about the nature of the reward.

2 Samuel 18 22 Word analysis

• Then Joab said: Joab is the pragmatic and ruthless general, often acting on what he perceives as necessary for David's rule, even if against David's direct orders (e.g., killing Absalom). His statement here reveals a sharp understanding of David's emotional disposition and the political realities of delivering unwelcome news.
• to Ahimaaz again: This indicates Ahimaaz's persistent and possibly naive zeal. He has already been denied once (2 Sam 18:20), showing his fervent desire to bring tidings, perhaps seeking favor or honor from the king.
• "Why do you wish to run, my son?":
  • "Why do you wish to run?": (לָמָּה זֶּה אַתָּה רָץ - lamah zeh attah ratz) - expresses a sense of questioning, almost mild exasperation or pity from Joab. He sees Ahimaaz's enthusiasm as misdirected or futile in this particular context. Ahimaaz's motivation is zeal, possibly hoping for prestige associated with bearing vital news to the king.
  • "my son" (בְּנִי - bĕni): A term of endearment or paternal address, suggesting a personal relationship and perhaps Joab’s genuine concern or protectiveness for Ahimaaz, rather than just dismissiveness. Joab may see Ahimaaz's youthful idealism, whereas Joab himself is a hardened realist.
• "You will have no reward for the tidings.":
  • "no reward" (אֵין־לְךָ שָׂכָר - ’en-ləkā śāḵār): The Hebrew word sakar refers to wages, recompense, or reward. Joab is explicitly stating that no payment, honor, or positive recognition will come from this message. This is a pragmatic, even cynical, assessment of how kings (specifically David in this situation) react to grave news concerning their loved ones, regardless of overall victory.
  • "for the tidings" (הַבְּשֹׂרָה הַזֹּאת - habbĕśôrāh hazzōt): The Hebrew word besorah (from בָּשָׂר - basar meaning "to bring good news" or "to announce") inherently carries a positive connotation, often translated as "good news" (as in Isa 52:7). This creates a stark irony: what should objectively be "good news" (victory, end of rebellion) is, in its central tragic element (Absalom's death), profoundly bad news to David. Joab recognizes this underlying truth and the inversion of the "good news" here. This is a nuanced understanding of the news's dual nature: militarily good, personally devastating.

2 Samuel 18 22 Bonus section

The immediate post-battle scenario emphasizes the critical role of news dissemination in ancient warfare and kingship. The first priority for Joab, once the victory was secured, was not celebrating, but ensuring the proper delivery of the news, understanding that its reception could dramatically alter perceptions and relationships. Ahimaaz's relentless insistence, even after Joab's pragmatic warning, hints at a deeper loyalty or perhaps a desire to be perceived as a trusted confidant, showing a tension between genuine service and the pursuit of honor. The wisdom here, often reinforced by biblical narratives, is that discernment about the nature of a message and the heart of the receiver is as crucial as the speed of delivery.

2 Samuel 18 22 Commentary

2 Samuel 18:22 encapsulates the stark contrast between a zealous young man's eagerness to serve and a seasoned commander's realistic understanding of how difficult news is received by those in power. Joab, ever the pragmatist, sees through the surface victory to the heart of the king, who cares more for his rebellious son than the cessation of civil war. He attempts to spare Ahimaaz the disappointment, or worse, potential wrath, that comes from delivering news, however vital, that causes profound grief. The term "tidings," normally implying positive news, takes on a poignant irony here, underscoring that not all messengers of truth are rewarded, particularly when that truth shatters personal hope. It also highlights Joab’s often ruthless effectiveness mixed with a peculiar paternal regard for certain individuals.