2 Samuel 18:27 kjv
And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.
2 Samuel 18:27 nkjv
So the watchman said, "I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok." And the king said, "He is a good man, and comes with good news."
2 Samuel 18:27 niv
The watchman said, "It seems to me that the first one runs like Ahimaaz son of Zadok." "He's a good man," the king said. "He comes with good news."
2 Samuel 18:27 esv
The watchman said, "I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok." And the king said, "He is a good man and comes with good news."
2 Samuel 18:27 nlt
"The first man runs like Ahimaaz son of Zadok," the watchman said. "He is a good man and comes with good news," the king replied.
2 Samuel 18 27 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isa 52:7 | How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news… | Announcing good news, often of deliverance/peace. |
| Nah 1:15 | Behold, upon the mountains the feet of him who brings good news… | Parallel to Isaiah, emphasizing positive tidings. |
| Rom 10:15 | How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news! | NT application to the Gospel, delivering salvation. |
| Prov 25:13 | Like the coolness of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger... | The value of a trustworthy messenger and his message. |
| Prov 13:17 | A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing. | Contrasting impact of different messengers. |
| 2 Sam 18:26 | The king said, "He is a good man, and comes with good news." | David's prior recognition of Ahimaaz. |
| Matt 7:16 | You will recognize them by their fruits... | Discerning a person's character through their actions. |
| Ps 68:11 | The Lord gives the word; The women who proclaim the good tidings are a great host. | God as the source of triumphant good news. |
| Acts 13:32 | And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers... | Apostles delivering divine "good news." |
| Luke 10:5 | Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ | Messengers of peace and good tidings. |
| John 20:30-31 | ...that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ... | Purpose of written accounts: conveying crucial good news. |
| Luke 8:1 | ...preaching and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. | The central message of Christ's ministry. |
| Gal 1:8 | ...if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary... | Distinguishing true good news from false messages. |
| Phil 4:18 | I have received everything in full and have an abundance... | Paul acknowledges receipt of a welcome 'gift'/news. |
| 1 Kgs 1:42 | While he was still speaking, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. | Messenger arriving with vital news. |
| 2 Kgs 5:23-24 | And Naaman said, "Please take two talents"... Gehazi took it from their hand... | Contrast with Ahimaaz's good character, greed's influence. |
| 2 Sam 4:10 | when one told me, 'Behold, Saul is dead!' and thought that he was bringing good news... | False perception of "good news." |
| Ps 34:8 | Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! | The inherent goodness of the Lord, ultimate source of "good news." |
| Phil 2:19 | ...in order that I may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. | Hope for good reports from messengers. |
| Heb 4:2 | For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as also they did... | Hearing divine good news throughout history. |
| 1 Pet 1:25 | But the word of the Lord endures forever. And this is the word which was preached... | The enduring truth of the Gospel. |
| Ps 112:5 | Good will come to him who is generous and lends; he will maintain his cause... | "Good man" connected to righteous behavior and favorable outcomes. |
| Zech 8:19 | love truth and peace. | Connection between truthfulness (of a messenger) and peace. |
2 Samuel 18 verses
2 Samuel 18 27 Meaning
King David, observing the swift approach of Ahimaaz, correctly deduced the messenger's integrity and anticipated that the news he carried would be positive, signalling a favorable outcome in the battle against Absalom's forces. This statement reveals David's hope and his capacity to discern character even before a report is given.
2 Samuel 18 27 Context
2 Samuel 18 describes the aftermath of the battle in the forest of Ephraim, where David's forces, led by Joab, decisively defeated the rebellious army of Absalom. David remained at the city gates, anxiously awaiting news of the battle's outcome, particularly regarding his son Absalom, whom he had commanded not to harm. Two messengers raced to bring news: first, Ahimaaz, a zealous and swift runner (and son of Zadok the priest), followed by the Cushite. David's statement in verse 27 occurs after he has already identified Ahimaaz's distinct running style in verse 26, confidently deducing his identity and the favorable nature of his tidings, distinguishing him from another runner. This intense period saw David under immense emotional strain, torn between the survival of his kingdom and the fate of his rebellious but beloved son.
2 Samuel 18 27 Word analysis
- And the king said: (וַיֹּ֣אמֶר הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ, wayyōʾmer hammĕleḵ). A common biblical narrative device introducing direct speech. "The king" refers to David, highlighting his royal authority and discernment in this critical moment of suspense and anticipation.
- He: (הַלָּזֶ֗ה, hallāzeh - a demonstrative pronoun, often "this one" or "that one" used emphatically, here referring to Ahimaaz). This points directly to the approaching figure, emphasizing David's singular focus and confidence in his identification of the messenger.
- is a good man: (אִישׁ־טוֹב הַזֶּ֔ה, ʾîš-ṭōv hazzeh - lit. "this one a good man").
- ʾîš-ṭōv (אִישׁ־טוֹב): "man of good" or "good man." This denotes positive character, trustworthiness, loyalty, and a virtuous disposition. David's judgment of Ahimaaz here is one of confidence in his moral integrity and a hopeful sign. In Hebrew culture, "good" (ṭōv) can signify something pleasing, beneficial, right, or prosperous. Ahimaaz's character is associated with positive outcomes.
- and comes with good news: (וּבְשׂוֹרָ֥ה טוֹבָ֛ה יָבִ֥א, ūvĕśôrâ ṭôvâ yāvîʾ - lit. "and good news he brings").
- bĕśôrâ (בְּשׂוֹרָה): The noun derived from bāśar (בָּשָׂר), meaning "to bear news," often news of salvation or victory. It carries the semantic weight of "tidings" or "report." This is the same root that connects to "gospel" in the New Testament.
- ṭôvâ (טוֹבָה): The feminine form of ṭōv ("good"), modifying "news." So, news that is pleasant, favorable, beneficial, or indicative of victory and well-being.
- Words-group analysis: David's assertion, "He is a good man and comes with good news," demonstrates a profound link between the messenger's character and the anticipated message content. David implies that a good and trusted messenger would inherently bring positive tidings, especially given Ahimaaz's vigorous speed, typically associated with urgent and favorable reports from the battlefield. This statement builds the suspense and emotional tension before the actual news of the victory and Absalom's death is revealed. It sets up the later dramatic irony as the "good news" for the kingdom comes at a devastating personal cost for the king.
2 Samuel 18 27 Bonus section
- The Power of Anticipation: David's statement powerfully illustrates the psychological impact of anticipation during times of crisis. His positive outlook towards Ahimaaz and the message reflects his inner desire for favorable news concerning the rebellion's outcome, especially before the full truth regarding Absalom is known.
- Messenger Archetype: Ahimaaz, in this moment, embodies the archetype of a zealous, well-intentioned messenger, contrasted later by the direct (but potentially less tactful) Cushite. David's initial judgment valorizes this type of loyal and good-hearted individual in the service of leadership.
- Dramatic Irony Setup: This verse sets up a subtle yet profound dramatic irony. David declares the news to be "good" even before hearing the details. While the general news of the army's victory would indeed be good for the kingdom, the news about Absalom's death would be personally devastating for David, turning anticipated joy into deep sorrow.
2 Samuel 18 27 Commentary
David's declaration in 2 Samuel 18:27 serves as a poignant moment of anticipation amidst profound anxiety. His confidence in Ahimaaz as a "good man" stems from earlier recognition of his swift running (verse 26) and reflects David's longing for positive affirmation concerning the battle. In a culture where the bearer of news could suffer for bringing bad tidings, and speed often denoted victory, David associates Ahimaaz's energetic approach with a beneficial report. This reveals not only David's discernment but also his deeply personal desire for the conflict's end and the preservation of his army. The verse subtly foreshadows the dramatic unveiling of news that will indeed be "good" in terms of national victory, yet profoundly tragic in personal loss, highlighting the king's human hopes in the face of unfolding divine providence.