2 Samuel 18:28-29

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 18:28

And Ahimaaz called and said unto the king ,.... As soon as he came so near as to be heard by him, before he came up to him, he said with a loud voice: all is well ; the king's army has had success, beat the rebels, and obtained a complete victory: or "peace" F5 שלום ειρηνη , Sept. "pax", Montanus, Pagninus; "salus", Tigurine version; "salve rex", V. L. ; for it is but one word in the original, which signifies all happiness and prosperity, and this he wished the king; and so it... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:29

And the king said, is the young man Absalom safe ?.... Or, is there "peace" F6 שלום לנער "estne pax puero?" V. L. "pax puero", Pagninus, Montanus. to him? you say there is peace, and that prosperity and success have attended my army; but what peace has Absalom? is he well, and in safety? David seemed more concerned for him than for his army and the success of it; and even suggests as if it was nothing if Absalom was not safe, so great were his affections towards him: and Ahimaaz... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 18:29

I saw a great tumult - It was very probable that Ahimaaz did not know of the death of Absalom; he had seen the rout of his army, but did not know of his death. Others think he knew all, and told this untruth that he might not be the messenger of bad news to David. 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 18:28

And said unto the king, All is well; Hebrew, Peace. This was the ordinary salutation among the Israelites, but its hurried exclamation on the part of the breathless runner was probably intended to convey the idea given in the Authorized Version. Hath delivered up the men, etc; Hebrew, hath hedged, or shut in (see upon this expression the note on 1 Samuel 17:46 , and comp. Psalms 31:8 ). Both there and in 2 Samuel 22:20 prosperity is compared to the being in a broad place,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:29

Is the young man Absalom safe! literally, Is there peace to the lad Absalom? Was this mere love for the handsome but rebellious son, whose image comes back to the father as he was when just reaching manhood? Certainly not. David was thinking of the ominous words, "The sword shall never depart from thine house" ( 2 Samuel 12:10 ). The sword had devoured one son; was it now to claim another? And then? and then? Where would it stop? And Ahimaaz saw the king's distress, and gave an evasive... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:29

( MAHANAIM .) Is the young man … safe? Youth is a season of intense activity, favourable opportunities, and glowing promise. "The passion, which in youth Drives fast downhill, means that the impulse gained Should speed us up the hill that's opposite." (Sir H. Taylor.) This question is specially suggestive of— I. DANGER . No soldier on the battlefield, no traveller on "dark mountains," no ship on a tempestuous sea, is exposed to greater peril than a young man. Of what?... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:29

Concern for the welfare of young men. "Is the young man Absalom safe?" or, as in the Revised Version, "Is it well with the young man Absalom?" The inquiry reveals what was on David's heart equally with, if not more than, the welfare of the state and the continuance of his own reign. While Absalom had accepted with approval plans for accomplishing his father's death, David was more solicitous for the preservation of Absalom's life than his own; and now that the victory of his forces is... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 18:28

Ahimaaz called - This marks the eager haste with which, before he had quite reached the king, he shouted out the pithy decisive word of good tidings, “Shalom!” Peace!Hath delivered - See the margin. The figure seems to be that of confining a person within the power of his enemy, in opposition to “giving him his liberty” “in a large room,” to work what mischief he pleases. read more

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