And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king, All is well. And he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king, and said, Blessed be the LORD thy God, which hath delivered up the men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king.

2 SAMUEL 18:28KJV
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2 Samuel 18:28 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 18:28 mean?

2 Samuel 18:28 describes Ahimaaz arriving and calling out to King David, assuring him that all is well. Ahimaaz then bows down before David and praises the LORD, declaring that God has delivered those who rebelled against the king into his hands.

Ahimaaz, a messenger, has just run to bring news to David after a battle involving David’s son Absalom’s rebellion. In this verse, Ahimaaz respectfully greets David, falls on his face as a sign of deep respect, and credits God for the victory over those who opposed David. The verse highlights both the relief of good news and the recognition of God’s role in the outcome.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 18:28

  • שָׁלוֹם (shalom): Translated here as "well," this word often means peace, safety, or completeness. Ahimaaz uses it to assure David that the immediate danger has passed and things are settled.
  • בָּרוּךְ (barukh): Translated "Blessed," this word is used to praise or speak well of someone, in this case, the LORD. Ahimaaz is expressing gratitude and reverence for God’s intervention.
  • נָפַל עַל־פָּנָיו (naphal al-panav): "Fell down upon his face" is a physical gesture of humility and submission, showing Ahimaaz’s respect for David as king.

Why 2 Samuel 18:28 matters

  • This verse shows the careful way messengers approached ancient kings, combining respect, ritual, and clear communication.
  • The use of "shalom" as a greeting and reassurance is significant, signaling not just the absence of conflict but a sense of restored order.
  • The verse sets the emotional tone for David, who is about to hear more detailed—and difficult—news about his son Absalom, making Ahimaaz’s words both comforting and a prelude to a more complex message.

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.

“up” Hebrew H5462 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 2:21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
  • 1 Samuel 1:6 And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.
  • Job 12:14 Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening.