2 Samuel 18 23

2 Samuel 18:23 kjv

But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushy.

2 Samuel 18:23 nkjv

"But whatever happens," he said, "let me run." So he said to him, "Run." Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain, and outran the Cushite.

2 Samuel 18:23 niv

He said, "Come what may, I want to run." So Joab said, "Run!" Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.

2 Samuel 18:23 esv

"Come what may," he said, "I will run." So he said to him, "Run." Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and outran the Cushite.

2 Samuel 18:23 nlt

"Yes, but let me go anyway," he begged. Joab finally said, "All right, go ahead." So Ahimaaz took the less demanding route by way of the plain and ran to Mahanaim ahead of the Ethiopian.

2 Samuel 18 verses

2 Samuel 18 23 Meaning

2 Samuel 18:23 details the swift and determined actions of Ahimaaz. Despite earlier reluctance from Joab, Ahimaaz insisted on carrying news to King David following the defeat of Absalom. Joab granted permission, and Ahimaaz, demonstrating exceptional speed and strategic choice of a flatter route, successfully outpaced the earlier-dispatched Cushite messenger to deliver his tidings.

2 Samuel 18 23 Context

This verse is situated immediately following the decisive battle in the forest of Ephraim, which led to the defeat and death of Absalom, King David's rebellious son. Joab, David's commander, despite explicitly ordering that Absalom be killed, initially sent the Cushite messenger with the full, devastating news of Absalom's demise to King David. Ahimaaz, son of Zadok the priest, an eager and loyal servant of David, strongly insisted on being a messenger himself. Joab was reluctant to send Ahimaaz, likely because he was a significant figure (priestly family, known to David) and bearing the news of David's beloved son's death would be an incredibly painful and perhaps even perilous task for a close associate. Ahimaaz's repeated plea in this verse highlights his deep loyalty and desire to serve David personally, even if it meant conveying potentially terrible news or being the bearer of first reports. His remarkable speed, mentioned here, prepares the reader for the dramatic arrival of the two messengers.

2 Samuel 18 23 Word analysis

• And Ahimaaz (וַיֹּאמֶר אֲחִימַעַץ - vayyōʾmer ʾăḥîmaʿaṣ): Ahimaaz means "Brother of counsel" or "My brother is counsel." He is the son of Zadok, the priest (1 Chr 6:8). He previously served as a trusted and swift messenger for David during Absalom's rebellion (2 Sam 15:36; 17:17-21), demonstrating prior loyalty and speed.

• said again: This emphasizes Ahimaaz's persistence and earnest desire to carry the message. It shows he was not easily dissuaded and reiterates his deep-seated eagerness to serve the king directly.

• 'Let me run.': A direct plea, showcasing his readiness and confidence in his physical capability to be the fastest messenger. This eagerness reveals a loyal and zealous spirit.

• And Joab (וַיֹּאמֶר יוֹאָב - vayyōʾmer yôʾāḇ): Joab, meaning "Yahweh is father," was David's seasoned and often ruthless commander. His earlier reluctance (2 Sam 18:19-22) reflects a pragmatic concern for Ahimaaz's safety or reputation, knowing the profound grief the news would cause David.

• 'Run!': Joab's concession, reflecting that Ahimaaz's persistence finally outweighed his initial concerns. It is a command acknowledging Ahimaaz's strong will and fitness for the task.

• So he ran (וַיָּרָץ - vayyārāṣ): The verb ruts means "to run," "to hasten." It conveys an immediate and swift action, fulfilling the intention expressed.

• by the way of the plain (דֶּרֶךְ הַכִּכָּר - dereḵ hakkiḵār): Kikkar generally refers to a circuit or a flat, open, often circular area, in this context specifically referring to the Jordan Valley's level terrain. This route, though possibly longer in distance compared to a more direct but rugged mountainous path, allowed for faster running speed due to its smooth surface, highlighting Ahimaaz's strategic thinking for optimal velocity.

• and outran (וַיַּעֲבֹר - vayyaʿabōr): Literally, "he passed over" or "he crossed over." In context, it means he overtook and surpassed the other messenger. This term highlights Ahimaaz's exceptional speed and the effectiveness of his chosen route.

• the Cushite (הַכּוּשִׁי - hakKushi): An Ethiopian. The Cushite was likely a professional, reliable runner previously dispatched by Joab with the primary message about Absalom's death. Ahimaaz surpassing him underscores Ahimaaz's extraordinary swiftness and determination.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Ahimaaz said again, 'Let me run.' And Joab said to him, 'Run!'": This exchange emphasizes Ahimaaz's unwavering zeal and Joab's reluctant but ultimate agreement. It sets up the impending race and highlights Ahimaaz's determination to deliver important news personally to David.
  • "So he ran by the way of the plain, and outran the Cushite": This phrase directly states Ahimaaz's action, his chosen strategic path (the faster, flatter terrain), and the impressive result—his ability to surpass an already-dispatched and likely professional messenger. It portrays his efficiency and remarkable speed.

2 Samuel 18 23 Bonus section

• Ahimaaz's motivation to run was likely complex; it could stem from genuine loyalty to David, a desire to be the first to bring significant news (even if bad), or perhaps a wish to soften the blow for the king by omitting certain details, as he later does (2 Sam 18:29-30).
• The narrative introduces suspense through the dual messengers. The audience knows the full tragedy, but David does not, creating anticipation for which messenger will arrive first and what information they will deliver.
• The "Cushite" served as a dramatic foil for Ahimaaz, accentuating the latter's incredible speed by showing him capable of overtaking a professional or otherwise very capable runner who had a head start.
• Ahimaaz's journey to David can be seen as a display of an individual's drive to serve faithfully, a common biblical motif of running one's course in devotion to a higher purpose or authority.

2 Samuel 18 23 Commentary

2 Samuel 18:23 succinctly describes the pivotal moment when Ahimaaz's unwavering loyalty and impressive athletic capability coalesce. His insistence on running to the king, despite Joab's caution regarding the sensitive news, reveals his eager servant's heart. By choosing the route "by the way of the plain," Ahimaaz demonstrates not only his speed but also strategic thought, opting for a flatter, possibly longer path that nevertheless allowed for swifter overall travel. His act of "outrunning the Cushite," who was likely a seasoned and previously dispatched messenger, showcases Ahimaaz's exceptional swiftness and physical prowess, setting the stage for his unique and ultimately limited report to King David. This short verse highlights themes of eagerness, service, strategic action, and superior performance.