King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 18:25 Mean?

2 Samuel 18:25 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 18:25 · KJV

Context

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.

27

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. Me: Heb. I see the running

Read 2 Samuel 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 13 words
וַיִּקְרָ֤א1 of 13

“cried”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

הַצֹּפֶה֙2 of 13

“And the watchman”

H6822

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

וַיַּגֵּ֣ד3 of 13

“and told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ4 of 13

“And the king”

H4428

a king

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר5 of 13

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ6 of 13

“And the king”

H4428

a king

אִם7 of 13
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לְבַדּ֖וֹ8 of 13
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

בְּשׂוֹרָ֣ה9 of 13

“If he be alone there is tidings”

H1309

glad tidings; by implication, reward for good news

בְּפִ֑יו10 of 13

“in his mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

הָל֖וֹךְ11 of 13

“apace”

H1980

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

הָל֖וֹךְ12 of 13

“apace”

H1980

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

וְקָרֵֽב׃13 of 13

“and drew near”

H7131

near

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 18:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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