And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.

2 SAMUEL 18:27KJV
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2 Samuel 18:27 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 18:27 mean?

2 Samuel 18:27 describes how a watchman, observing from a city wall, recognizes the running style of the leading messenger as Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok. King David responds by saying that Ahimaaz is a good man and must be bringing good news.

The scene takes place after a battle, with the watchman reporting to King David about approaching runners. The watchman notices that the first runner moves in a way that reminds him of Ahimaaz, who was known for his speed and reliability. David’s comment shows his trust in Ahimaaz’s character and suggests he expects a favorable report, highlighting the importance of messengers and trustworthiness in ancient times.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 18:27

  • "watchman" (צֹפֶה, tsopheh): This word refers to someone stationed to keep lookout, emphasizing the careful observation happening in this tense moment.
  • "good" (טוֹב, tov): When David calls Ahimaaz a "good man," the Hebrew word often means not just moral goodness but also reliability or trustworthiness, which explains why David expects good news from him.
  • "tidings" (בְּשׂוֹרָה, besorah): This word means news or a message, often with the sense of a report that brings relief or joy, which is why David hopes for a positive outcome.

Why 2 Samuel 18:27 matters

  • This verse shows how personal reputation and trust played a role in ancient communication—David’s reaction is based on Ahimaaz’s known character, not just his identity.
  • The verse builds suspense in the narrative, as both the characters and the reader are waiting to hear the outcome of the battle and the fate of David’s son Absalom.
  • It highlights the role of messengers in biblical times, where recognizing someone’s approach could signal the nature of the news before a word was spoken.

Where else these words appear

“running” Hebrew H4794 · used in 3 verses

  • Jeremiah 8:6 I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle.
  • Jeremiah 23:10 For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right.

“tidings” Hebrew H1309 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Samuel 4:10 When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings:
  • 2 Samuel 18:20 And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead.
  • 2 Samuel 18:25 And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.

“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.

“watchman” Hebrew H6822 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 31:49 And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
  • Job 15:22 He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, and he is waited for of the sword.
  • Jeremiah 6:17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.