2 Samuel 18 24

2 Samuel 18:24 kjv

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.

2 Samuel 18:24 nkjv

Now David was sitting between the two gates. And the watchman went up to the roof over the gate, to the wall, lifted his eyes and looked, and there was a man, running alone.

2 Samuel 18:24 niv

While David was sitting between the inner and outer gates, the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall. As he looked out, he saw a man running alone.

2 Samuel 18:24 esv

Now David was sitting between the two gates, and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and when he lifted up his eyes and looked, he saw a man running alone.

2 Samuel 18:24 nlt

While David was sitting between the inner and outer gates of the town, the watchman climbed to the roof of the gateway by the wall. As he looked, he saw a lone man running toward them.

2 Samuel 18 verses

2 Samuel 18 24 Meaning

This verse portrays King David in a state of anxious waiting at the strategic gateway of Mahanaim. He is positioned at a vantage point to receive the first news from the decisive battle against Absalom's forces. The scene shifts to a vigilant watchman, perched on the gatehouse roof, whose keen observation identifies the initial runner approaching, indicating the imminent arrival of crucial information concerning the conflict.

2 Samuel 18 24 Context

The verse is situated in a highly tense moment within 2 Samuel chapter 18, immediately after the climactic battle where David's forces, under Joab's command, defeated Absalom's rebellious army. David, who chose not to accompany his troops, remained behind at Mahanaim, driven by a deep paternal concern for his son, despite Absalom's rebellion against his throne and life. His primary command before the battle was to "deal gently with the young man Absalom" (2 Sam 18:5), a command notoriously violated by Joab.

Historically and culturally, city gates were the vital arteries and central hubs of ancient Near Eastern settlements. Far from merely serving as entrances, they were fortified complexes that housed courts of justice, conducted commercial transactions, and facilitated public gatherings. A gate often consisted of an inner and outer section, creating a secure, liminal space. Watchmen (tzopheh) were indispensable figures positioned on elevated structures—like a gate's roof or the city wall—tasked with scanning the horizon for approaching individuals or armies. Their alertness and ability to communicate news were critical for the city's security and information flow. David's placement at this nerve center underscores his profound anxiety and personal investment in the battle's outcome, waiting precisely where the first tidings would arrive.

2 Samuel 18 24 Word analysis

• Now David was sitting: (וְדָוִד יוֹשֵׁב, vĕdhāvîdh yôšēḇ) – "Sitting" here denotes a fixed, enduring posture, implying a state of anxious anticipation and helplessness, not active engagement. It contrasts David's usual leadership in battle, emphasizing his role as a waiting father rather than a fighting king in this context.
• between the two gates: (בֵּין שְׁנֵי הַשְּׁעָרִים, bêyn šĕnê haššĕʿārîm) – Refers to a complex city gate structure with inner and outer sections. This liminal space is significant, symbolizing David's personal "in-between" state of uncertainty, suspended between hope and dread for Absalom's fate.
• and the watchman: (וְהַצֹּפֶה, vĕhaṣṣōpeh) – Derived from a root meaning "to look out, keep watch, spy." This professional figure was crucial for public safety, constantly surveying the surroundings from an elevated post for approaching persons or danger.
• went up: Implies ascending to a higher position, necessary for broad visibility over the surrounding terrain.
• to the roof of the gate by the wall: A specific, elevated vantage point that allowed the watchman an unobstructed view, crucial for early detection of approaching figures.
• and raised his eyes and looked: Describes a deliberate, active search. The watchman is keenly scanning the horizon, fulfilling his duty of vigilance, knowing news from the battle would be paramount.
• and behold: (וְהִנֵּה, vĕhinnēh) – An interjection used to draw immediate attention, signifying the watchman's sudden discovery of something significant, usually unexpected or of great importance.
• a man was running alone: (אִישׁ רָץ לְבַדּוֹ, ʾîš rāṣ lĕbhaddô) – The "running" emphasizes urgency and speed, indicating crucial news. "Alone" might suggest an initial, singular messenger bearing important, perhaps direct or unconfirmed, tidings before a larger group might arrive. This isolation could also heighten the dramatic suspense surrounding the message.

Words-group analysis

• David was sitting between the two gates: This phrase succinctly captures David's emotional and physical vulnerability. Though king, he is passive, fixed in an exposed, public location, mirroring his internal anguish and helplessness over the outcome of the battle, especially concerning his son Absalom. The "two gates" can further imply the tension between the safety of the city and the danger outside.
• the watchman went up to the roof...and looked: This section details the professional vigilance and strategic importance of the watchman. His action signifies preparedness and the vital role of communication in a time of conflict, serving as the city's eyes to the external world and its impending news.
• a man was running alone: This highly suspenseful observation immediately signals the arrival of significant news. The speed and solitude of the runner enhance the sense of urgency and highlight that this is the first, potentially definitive, report from the battlefield, captivating all attention.

2 Samuel 18 24 Bonus section

• The strategic significance of the "gate" in ancient cities extended beyond mere defense. It was the hub for legal judgments, trade, and public announcements. David's choice to wait there amplified the public nature of the impending news, demonstrating both his vulnerability and his unwavering availability to receive tidings.
• The description of the runner as "alone" contributes to the dramatic effect. Unlike a group of fleeing soldiers, a solitary runner suggested a targeted message, increasing the anticipation of either dire personal news or an initial, vital report before general details could follow. This specificity ensures maximum attention and focus on the singular message bearer.

2 Samuel 18 24 Commentary

2 Samuel 18:24 encapsulates a profound moment of human anticipation and tension. King David, renowned for his martial prowess and kingship, is portrayed not in the thick of battle but in a posture of agonizing waiting. His decision to remain "between the two gates" at Mahanaim speaks volumes about his profound paternal concern for Absalom, even after the son's rebellion. This position is a space of acute vulnerability and expectation, placing him squarely in the path of incoming news, symbolizing his desire for an immediate and personal update.

The watchman, a vigilant sentinel on the city's strategic rooftop, acts as the conduit of fate. His act of "raising his eyes and looking" is more than a duty; it's a reflection of the collective anxiety permeating the city. The cry of "Behold!" arrests the reader's attention, signaling the advent of a pivotal moment. The lone, swiftly approaching runner is the bearer of a destiny-altering message, setting the stage for one of the Bible's most poignant narratives of fatherly grief over a beloved, yet rebellious, son. This verse sets the stage, perfectly illustrating the charged atmosphere just before a dramatic revelation.