Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies.

2 SAMUEL 18:19KJV
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2 Samuel 18:19 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 18:19 mean?

2 Samuel 18:19 describes Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, asking to run and deliver news to King David that the LORD has given him victory over his enemies. Ahimaaz wants to be the messenger who brings David the report of God’s judgment on those who opposed him.

In this verse, Ahimaaz speaks up after a battle, eager to carry the message to David. The context is the aftermath of Absalom’s rebellion, where David’s forces have just won. Ahimaaz’s request shows both his loyalty and his desire to be the bearer of good news to the king.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 18:19

  • "run" (רָץ, rats): This word means to run or move quickly. Ahimaaz’s eagerness is shown in his request to physically run to the king, emphasizing his urgency and willingness to serve.
  • "bear tidings" / "tidings" (בָּשַׂר, basar): This verb means to bring news, especially good news. In the Old Testament, it often refers to proclaiming victory or salvation, so Ahimaaz is not just delivering information but announcing a significant, positive outcome.
  • "avenged" (שָׁפַט, shafat): This word means to judge or bring justice. Here, it highlights that the LORD’s action was not just military victory but a righteous judgment against David’s enemies.

Why 2 Samuel 18:19 matters

  • This verse shows the importance of messengers in ancient times, especially in moments of crisis or victory, and how the role was both an honor and a responsibility.
  • The use of "basar" connects Ahimaaz’s message to the idea of proclaiming good news, a theme that appears throughout the Bible and is often associated with God’s deliverance.
  • The verse sets up the emotional tension for what follows, as Ahimaaz is eager to deliver news he thinks is good, but the full story—especially concerning Absalom—will be more complicated for David.

Where else these words appear

“Ahimaaz” Hebrew H290 · used in 15 verses

  • 1 Samuel 14:50 And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.
  • 2 Samuel 17:20 And when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.
  • 2 Samuel 18:29 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.

“bear” Hebrew H1319 · used in 21 verses

  • 1 Samuel 4:17 And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.
  • 2 Samuel 18:31 And, behold, Cushi came; and Cushi said, Tidings, my lord the king: for the LORD hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee.
  • Isaiah 40:9 O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!

“Zadok” Hebrew H6659 · used in 50 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:17 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;
  • 1 Kings 1:38 So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.
  • 1 Chronicles 24:3 And David distributed them, both Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, according to their offices in their service.

“run” Hebrew H7323 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
  • 2 Samuel 18:23 But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.
  • Job 9:25 Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.