King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 18:28 Mean?

2 Samuel 18:28 in the King James Version says “And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king, All is well. And he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king, an...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 18:28 · KJV

SalvationPeace

Context

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

29

And the king said, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the king's servant, and me thy servant, I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what it was. Is: Heb. Is there peace?

30

And the king said unto him, Turn aside, and stand here. And he turned aside, and stood still.

Read 2 Samuel 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 24 words
וַיִּקְרָ֣א1 of 24

“called”

H7121

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

אֲחִימַ֗עַץ2 of 24

“And Ahimaaz”

H290

achimaats, the name of three israelites

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר3 of 24

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל4 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃5 of 24

“before the king”

H4428

a king

שָׁל֔וֹם6 of 24

“All is well”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

וַיִּשְׁתַּ֧חוּ7 of 24

“And he fell down”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃8 of 24

“before the king”

H4428

a king

לְאַפָּ֖יו9 of 24

“upon his face”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

אָ֑רְצָה10 of 24

“to the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר11 of 24

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בָּרוּךְ֙12 of 24

“Blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

יְהוָ֣ה13 of 24

“be the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ14 of 24

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲשֶׁ֤ר15 of 24
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

סִגַּר֙16 of 24

“which hath delivered up”

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

אֶת17 of 24
H853

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

הָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים18 of 24
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)

אֲשֶׁר19 of 24
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נָֽשְׂא֥וּ20 of 24

“that lifted up”

H5375

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

אֶת21 of 24
H853

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

יָדָ֖ם22 of 24

“their hand”

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

בַּֽאדֹנִ֥י23 of 24

“against my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃24 of 24

“before the king”

H4428

a king

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 18:28 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 18:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 14:202 Samuel 14:42 Chronicles 20:262 Samuel 1:21 Samuel 24:182 Samuel 22:27

Test Your Knowledge

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

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