King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 18:19 Mean?

2 Samuel 18:19 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 . avenged: Heb. judged him from the hand, etc”

2 Samuel 18:19 · KJV

Context

17

And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.

18

Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place.

19

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 . avenged: Heb. judged him from the hand, etc

20

And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead. bear tidings this: Heb. be a man of tidings, etc

21

Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.

Read 2 Samuel 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Absalom's Death, emphasizing tragedy of rebellion. Absalom's death despite David's orders demonstrates the tragic consequences of rebellion against God's anointed. The graphic description of Absalom caught in oak branches suggests divine judgment. David's overwhelming grief ("O my son Absalom") reveals parental love even for rebellious children. Theological themes include the tragedy of rebellion, the reality that sin leads to death, parental love's persistence, and the danger of prioritizing family over kingdom responsibilities.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 18 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding tragedy of rebellion provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of tragedy of rebellion?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַֽאֲחִימַ֤עַץ1 of 14

“Ahimaaz”

H290

achimaats, the name of three israelites

בֶּן2 of 14

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

צָדוֹק֙3 of 14

“of Zadok”

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

אָמַ֔ר4 of 14

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָר֣וּצָה5 of 14

“Let me now run”

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

נָּ֔א6 of 14
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

וַֽאֲבַשְּׂרָ֖ה7 of 14

“and bear”

H1319

properly, to be fresh, i.e., full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news)

אֶת8 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ9 of 14

“the king”

H4428

a king

כִּֽי10 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שְׁפָט֥וֹ11 of 14

“hath avenged”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

יְהוָ֖ה12 of 14

“how that the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מִיַּ֥ד13 of 14

“him of his enemies”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֹֽיְבָֽיו׃14 of 14
H341

hating; an adversary

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 18:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 18:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 15:362 Samuel 18:31Psalms 7:6Psalms 9:162 Samuel 17:17Psalms 10:14

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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