2 Samuel 18:19-31 NIV,NKJV

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:31

Tidings, etc. The literal meaning is more fit for the mouth of a slave. "Let my lord the king learn the tidings that Jehovah hath judged (and delivered) thee this day from the hand," etc; that is, God, sitting as Judge at the assize of battle; hath given sentence for thee, and pronounced thy acquittal. The same phrase occurs in 2 Samuel 18:19 . read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 18:19

Ahimaaz was a well-known runner 2 Samuel 18:27. Speed was a heroic virtue in those simple times (compare 2 Samuel 2:18). In Hezekiah’s reign 2 Chronicles 30:6, 2 Chronicles 30:10 we find an establishment of running post-men; and the same name (“runners”) is given Esther 3:13 to the Persian posts, though at that time they rode on mules and camels.Bear tidings - The original word is used almost exclusively of bearing good tidings, and hence, is rendered in the Septuagint (though not always)... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 18:21

Cushi - “The Cushite,” a foreign slave, perhaps of Joab’s, whom he did not scruple to expose to David’s anger. If, however, it is a name, it must be rendered “Haccushi.” In the title to Psalms 7:0, “Cush, the Benjamite,” cannot mean this Cushi, since the contents of the Psalm are not suitable to this occasion. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 18:23

The plain - The floor of the valley through which the Jordan runs. The Cushite did not run by that road, but took the road over the hills, which may well have been the shorter but also the more difficult road. The two roads would probably meet a short distance from Mahanaim. These words, which have been thought to prove that the battle took place on the west of Jordan, are a clear proof that it took place on the east, because if the runners had had to cross the Jordan, they must both have come... 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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 18:31

Tidings ... - Rather, “Let my lord the king receive the good tidings.” read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 18:19-20

2 Samuel 18:19-20 . Let me now run Ahimaaz wished to be made the messenger of this good success to the king; but Joab, who loved him, and knew how disagreeable the account of Absalom’s death would be to David, refused to let him be the bearer of such unwelcome news. Thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king’s son is dead Thou shalt not be a messenger of evil tidings; they will be unwelcome to the king, and procure no good to thee. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 18:22

2 Samuel 18:22. Wherefore wilt thou run, my son? So he terms him, both with respect to his younger years, and to that true and tender affection which he had for him. Seeing thou hast no tidings ready Art not acquainted with the particulars of the fight, of which I have not time to inform thee. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 18:24

2 Samuel 18:24. David sat between the two gates It is probable the gates of cities then were, as they now generally are, large and thick, and that, for greater security, they had two gates, one more outward, and the other inward. Here the king sat, that he might hear tidings as soon as they came to the city. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 18:25

2 Samuel 18:25. If he be alone, there are tidings in his mouth He is sent with some special message, which was a very probable conjecture, and that he brought good news; for if he had run, or fled from the enemy, many others would have followed him. read more

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:31

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 18:19

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 18:21

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 18:23

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

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 18:31

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 18:19-20

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 18:22

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 18:24

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 18:25

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