King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 18:26 Mean?

2 Samuel 18:26 in the King James Version says “And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running ... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Samuel 18:26 · KJV


Context

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

28

And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king, All is well. And he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king, and said, Blessed be the LORD thy God, which hath delivered up the men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king. All: or, Peace be to thee: Heb. Peace delivered: Heb. shut up


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 19 words
וַיַּ֣רְא1 of 19

saw

H7200

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

הַצֹּפֶה֙2 of 19

And the watchman

H6822

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

אִ֖ישׁ3 of 19

Behold another 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)

אַחֵ֣ר4 of 19

another

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

רָ֣ץ5 of 19

running

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

וַיִּקְרָ֤א6 of 19

called

H7121

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

הַצֹּפֶה֙7 of 19

And the watchman

H6822

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

אֶל8 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַשֹּׁעֵ֔ר9 of 19

unto the porter

H7778

a janitor

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר10 of 19

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּה11 of 19
H2009

lo!

אִ֖ישׁ12 of 19

Behold another 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)

רָ֣ץ13 of 19

running

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

לְבַדּ֑וֹ14 of 19
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

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר15 of 19

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ16 of 19

alone And the king

H4428

a king

גַּם17 of 19
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

זֶ֥ה18 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

מְבַשֵּֽׂר׃19 of 19

He also bringeth tidings

H1319

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


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 18:26 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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