King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 18:24 Mean?

2 Samuel 18:24 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

22

Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready? howsoever: Heb. be what may ready: or, convenient

23

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

24

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.

25

And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.

26

And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 20 words
וְדָוִ֥ד1 of 20

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

יוֹשֵׁ֖ב2 of 20

sat

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בֵּין3 of 20
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

שְׁנֵ֣י4 of 20

between the two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַשַּׁ֙עַר֙5 of 20

gates

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ6 of 20
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

הַצֹּפֶ֜ה7 of 20

and the watchman

H6822

properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await

אֶל8 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

גַּ֤ג9 of 20

to the roof

H1406

a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar

הַשַּׁ֙עַר֙10 of 20

gates

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

אֶל11 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַ֣חוֹמָ֔ה12 of 20

unto the wall

H2346

a wall of protection

וַיִּשָּׂ֤א13 of 20

and lifted up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת14 of 20
H853

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

עֵינָיו֙15 of 20

his eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וַיַּ֔רְא16 of 20

and looked

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְהִנֵּה17 of 20
H2009

lo!

אִ֖ישׁ18 of 20

and behold a man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

רָ֥ץ19 of 20

running

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

לְבַדּֽוֹ׃20 of 20
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit


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 18:24 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 18:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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