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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:19-33

Absalom's business is done; and we are now told, I. How David was informed of it. He staid behind at the city of Mahanaim, some miles from the wood where the battle was, and in the utmost border of the land. Absalom's scattered forces all made homeward toward Jordan, which was the contrary way from Mahanaim, so that his watchmen could not perceive how the battle went, till an express came on purpose to bring advice of the issue, which the king sat in the gate expecting to hear, 2 Sam. 18:24.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:19

Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok ,.... To Joab; for it seems he stayed with the army when he with Jonathan brought the message from Hushai to David: let me now run, and bear the king tidings how that the Lord hath avenged him on his enemies ; which he thought would be very acceptable to hear of as soon as possible; and to be a messenger with tidings of a victory, as it was honourable, so likewise profitable then as now; though perhaps Ahimaaz might have no respect to the reward, as... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:20

And Joab said unto him, thou shall not bear tidings this day ,.... Because Joab knew the tidings of Absalom's death would not be acceptable to the king; and Ahimaaz being a good man, and the son of a priest, for whom Joab had a respect, he would not send the tidings by him, which he was sensible would not recommend him to the king: but thou shalt bear tidings another day ; when any salvation is wrought, or victory obtained, the tidings of which will be welcome: but this day thou shall... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:21

Then said Joab to Cushi ,.... The Ethiopian, or blackamoor; who either was an Ethiopian by birth and proselyted, or he was an Israelite of a black complexion, and therefore so called; and was judged a proper person by the general to carry such dismal news to the king, as he knew it would be. Some Jewish writers F1 Pirke Eliezer, c. 53. take him to be the same with Cush the Benjaminite, in the title of the seventh psalm, Psalm 7:1 ; and that he is the same that told Joab he saw... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:22

Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab ,.... He could not be easy, even though a messenger was dispatched, but pressed Joab still: but howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi ; only permit me to go after him, though not as a messenger: and Joab said, wherefore wilt thou run, my son ? having a great affection for him, and concerned that he should take trouble on him to no purpose: seeing thou hast no tidings ready ; no news to carry, but what Cushi is... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:23

But howsoever ( said he ) let me run ,.... Be it as it may, I beg I may have leave; and being so very importunate, it was granted: and he said unto him, run ; since he would take no denial: then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi ; who ran by the way of the mountains; which though the shorter way, that through the plain was easiest, and soonest run, though the longest. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 18:21

Tell the king what thou hast seen - At this time the death of Absalom was not publicly known; but Joab had given Cushi private information of it. This Ahimaaz had not, for he could not tell the king whether Absalom were dead. To this Joab seems to refer, 2 Samuel 18:22 ; : "Thou hast no tidings ready. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:19-33

The facts are: 1 . Ahimaaz being eager to convey tidings of victory to the king, is denied permission by Joab, who, however, sends Cushi. 2 . Persisting in his desire to run after Cushi, Joab at last allows him to go. 3 . The watchman at the gate of the city reports to the king that a runner is in sight, followed by another, whereupon David takes courage, and hopes for good news. 4 . On Ahimaaz being the first to arrive, he briefly announces that all is well, and then... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:21

Cushi . This is not a proper name, but signifies that he was an Ethiopian, that is, a negro slave in Joab's service. Joab was unwilling to expose Ahimaaz to me king's displeasure, and we gather from 2 Samuel 18:27 that the sending of a person of low rank would be understood to signify evil tidings. The bearer of good news received a present, and therefore the passing over all Joab's personal friends to send a slave was proof that the message was not expected to bring the bearer honour or... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:22

Seeing … thou hast no tidings ready. This was not true; there were most important tidings ready. But it is the translation which is in fault. What Joab said is, "Seeing thou hast no tidings that find," that is, no message that will find for thee the king's favour and a reward. read more

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