2 Samuel 18:19
Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, "Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies."
Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said,

Ahimaaz was the son of Zadok, the faithful priest who served David alongside Abiathar. He had already proved loyal during Absalom’s conspiracy, carrying intelligence from Jerusalem to David through a dangerous network of servants and supporters. His priestly family stood firmly with the Lord’s anointed king.

2Sa 15:27 The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer?”…
2Sa 15:36 Indeed, their two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok…
2Sa 17:17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel…

“Please let me run and tell the king

Ahimaaz eagerly offered himself as a runner, a task requiring speed, courage, and discretion. He desired to bring David the report of victory, though he did not yet grasp the sorrow that Absalom’s death would bring to the king.

2Ki 7:9 Finally, they said, “We are not doing what is right.…
1Ki 1:42 As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar…
2Sa 4:10 when someone told me, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’…

the good news

Israel’s army had defeated the rebellion that threatened David’s throne and the unity of the kingdom. The military victory was good news for David’s servants and for the preservation of the covenant line, yet it was mingled with grief because the rebel leader was David’s own son.

Pro 25:25 Like cold water to a weary soul is good news…
Isa 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those…
Nam 1:15 Look to the mountains—the feet of one who brings good news,…

that the LORD has avenged him

David’s deliverance came ultimately from the Lord, who upheld the king He had chosen and restrained the rebellion against him. God’s justice did not erase David’s fatherly sorrow, but it preserved the kingdom through which He would fulfill His covenant promises.

Deu 32:43 Rejoice, O heavens, with Him, and let all God's angels…
Psa 18:47 the God who avenges me and subdues nations beneath me,
2Sa 22:48 the God who avenges me and brings down nations beneath me,

of his enemies.”

Absalom and those who followed him had risen against David, seeking to seize the throne by force. Their defeat restored David’s rule and displayed the seriousness of resisting God’s appointed order.

Psa 18:48 who delivers me from my enemies. You exalt me above my foes;…
2Sa 22:49 who frees me from my enemies. You exalt me above my foes;…
Psa 44:7 For You save us from our enemies; You put those who hate us…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ahimaaz
The son of Zadok, a priest, who is eager to deliver news to King David. His role as a messenger is significant in the context of the battle and the aftermath of Absalom's rebellion.

2. Zadok
A priest during King David's reign, Zadok is a loyal supporter of David. His son, Ahimaaz, follows in his footsteps of loyalty and service.

3. King David
The reigning king of Israel, who is dealing with the rebellion led by his son Absalom. The news Ahimaaz wishes to deliver pertains to the outcome of this conflict.

4. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who is seen as the ultimate deliverer and avenger of David against his enemies.

5. Absalom's Rebellion
The backdrop of this verse is the rebellion led by Absalom, David's son, which has been a significant challenge to David's kingship.
Teaching Points
Eagerness to Serve
Ahimaaz's desire to run and deliver the news reflects a heart eager to serve and share God's work. We should cultivate a similar eagerness in our service to God and others.

Discernment in Delivering News
While Ahimaaz is eager, the context shows the importance of discernment in delivering sensitive news. We must consider the timing and manner of our communication.

God as Avenger
The verse underscores the belief that God is the ultimate avenger of wrongs. Trusting in God's justice can bring peace and patience in times of conflict.

Loyalty and Faithfulness
Ahimaaz's actions demonstrate loyalty to King David, reflecting the importance of faithfulness in our relationships and commitments.

The Role of Messengers
In biblical times, messengers played a crucial role in communication. Today, we are called to be messengers of the Gospel, sharing the good news of Christ with others.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from Ahimaaz's eagerness to deliver news to King David, and how can we apply this to our own lives in terms of serving God and others?

2. How does the concept of God as an avenger in 2 Samuel 18:19 relate to the New Testament teaching in Romans 12:19 about leaving vengeance to God?

3. In what ways can we practice discernment when delivering sensitive or important news, as seen in the context of Ahimaaz's message?

4. How does Ahimaaz's loyalty to King David inspire us to be faithful in our own relationships and commitments?

5. Reflect on the role of messengers in the Bible. How can we be effective messengers of the Gospel in our daily lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 17:46
This verse highlights the theme of God delivering His people and avenging them against their enemies, similar to the message Ahimaaz wants to convey to David.

Psalm 18:47-48
David praises God for being his avenger and delivering him from his enemies, echoing the sentiment of divine justice and deliverance found in 2 Samuel 18:19.

Romans 12:19
This New Testament verse speaks to the concept of leaving vengeance to God, aligning with the idea that the LORD avenges David.
The End of AbsalomB. Dale
People
Abishai, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Cushi, David, Israelites, Ittai, Joab, Zadok, Zeruiah
Places
King's Valley, Mahanaim
Topics
Ahimaaz, Ahi'ma-az, Arms, Avenged, Bear, Bring, Carry, Cause, Delivered, Enemies, Freed, Inform, News, Please, Power, Prevail, Run, Tidings, Zadok
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 18:19

     5178   running
     5335   herald

2 Samuel 18:19-32

     5426   news

Library
The Wail of a Broken Heart
'Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king's dale; for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance; and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom's Place. 19. 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. 20. And Joab said unto him. Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day; but
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Church and the Young Man.
A Sermon Delivered on Sabbath Morning, November 4, 1866, In The First Presbyterian Church, Troy, At The Request of The Young Men's Christian Association. 2 Sam. xviii, 5. "And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai saying, deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom." There are few passages of Holy writ more beautiful or suggestive than this. Notwithstanding the astounding character of Absalom's rebellion; though the mind of the sovereign and father of his people is
Rev. Marvin R. Vincent.—Amusement: A Force in Christian Training

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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