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.

2 SAMUEL 18:31KJV
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2 Samuel 18:31 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 18:31 mean?

2 Samuel 18:31 describes the moment when Cushi arrives and tells King David that he brings news: the LORD has given David victory over those who rebelled against him. This verse shows the delivery of the outcome of the battle to David, with the emphasis on God’s role in David’s vindication.

Cushi is a messenger who comes to David after the battle between David’s forces and those led by his son Absalom. Speaking directly to David, Cushi announces that God has judged in David’s favor “this day” against those who opposed him. The verse sets up the emotional tension, as David is about to learn not only of his victory but also of the fate of his son.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 18:31

  • כּוּשִׁי (Kushi): This is the name of the messenger, likely indicating he was from Cush (modern-day Sudan or Ethiopia), which may suggest he was a foreigner or outsider in David’s court.
  • בָּשַׂר (basar, “Tidings”): This word means to bring news, often good news or a report of victory. Here, it highlights the formal announcement of the battle’s outcome.
  • יְהוָה (YHWH, “LORD”): The use of God’s personal name stresses that the victory is attributed directly to God’s action, not just military strength.
  • שָׁפַט (shaphat, “avenged”): This word means to judge or to act as judge. In this context, it emphasizes that God has executed justice for David against his enemies.

Why 2 Samuel 18:31 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the victory is seen not just as a military event but as an act of divine justice, with God actively judging in David’s favor.
  • The identity of the messenger as “Cushi” may hint at the diversity within David’s ranks and the trusted role of foreigners in his service.
  • The verse prepares the reader for the emotional weight of what follows, as David’s personal loss is about to be revealed alongside his victory.

Where else these words appear

“Cushi” Hebrew H3569 · used in 19 verses

  • 2 Samuel 18:21 Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.
  • 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.

“Tidings” 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 18:26 And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.
  • 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!