Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.

2 SAMUEL 18:21KJV
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2 Samuel 18:21 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 18:21 mean?

2 Samuel 18:21 describes Joab instructing a man called Cushi to go and report to King David what he has witnessed. Cushi shows respect to Joab by bowing, then immediately runs to deliver the message.

In this scene, Joab is the commander of David’s army, and Cushi is likely a messenger or servant. The context is right after a major battle where Absalom, David’s son, has been killed. Joab wants Cushi to inform David about the outcome. The verse highlights both Joab’s authority and Cushi’s willingness to obey quickly and respectfully.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 18:21

  • "said" (אָמַר, ’amar): This is the common Hebrew word for "said" or "spoke," showing Joab’s direct command to Cushi.
  • "Cushi" (כּוּשִׁי, Kushi): This name likely refers to a person of Cushite (African) descent, which may explain why he is chosen as a messenger rather than a prominent Israelite.
  • "bowed" (שָׁחָה, shachah): This word means to bow down or prostrate, showing Cushi’s respect and submission to Joab’s authority.
  • "ran" (רָץ, rats): The word for "ran" here emphasizes Cushi’s eagerness and urgency in carrying out Joab’s order.

Why 2 Samuel 18:21 matters

  • This verse shows the chain of command and respect in David’s army, with Joab giving orders and Cushi responding promptly and humbly.
  • The choice of Cushi as messenger, rather than a more prominent figure, may reflect Joab’s intentions about who should deliver difficult news to David.
  • The verse sets up the following events, where the news of Absalom’s fate will deeply affect King David, highlighting the tension and sensitivity around delivering such messages.

Where else these words appear

“Cushi” Hebrew H3569 · used in 19 verses

  • 2 Samuel 18:22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?
  • 2 Chronicles 14:12 So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled.
  • Jeremiah 38:10 Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die.

“ran” 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.

“Joab” Hebrew H3097 · used in 124 verses

  • 1 Samuel 26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.
  • 2 Samuel 14:21 And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.
  • 2 Samuel 24:4 Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.