2 Samuel 18:20
But Joab replied, "You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king's son is dead."
But Joab replied
Joab, the commander of King David's army, is a central figure in this narrative. His role as a military leader is well-documented throughout the books of Samuel. The Hebrew root for "replied" (עָנָה, 'anah) often implies a response with authority or decision. Joab's reply here is not just a casual conversation but a decisive command, reflecting his position of authority and his understanding of the gravity of the situation.

You are not the man
This phrase indicates a specific choice and discernment by Joab. The Hebrew word for "man" (אִישׁ, 'ish) can denote not just a male individual but also a person of certain qualities or status. Joab is making a judgment about the suitability of the messenger, which implies a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities within the royal court. It suggests that not everyone is fit to bear certain news, especially news of such a sensitive nature.

to carry the news today
The act of carrying news, especially in ancient times, was a significant responsibility. The Hebrew word for "news" (בְּשׂוֹרָה, besorah) often refers to tidings of great importance, whether good or bad. In this context, the news is of a tragic nature, and the timing ("today") is crucial. Joab's decision reflects an awareness of the immediate emotional and political implications of delivering such news to King David.

You may do so another day
This phrase suggests a postponement, indicating that while the messenger is not suitable for today, there may be a future opportunity. The Hebrew concept of time is often fluid, and Joab's words imply a strategic delay. This reflects a broader biblical theme of timing and divine providence, where certain actions are reserved for the appropriate moment.

but you must not do so today
The repetition of "today" emphasizes the urgency and sensitivity of the current situation. Joab's insistence highlights the potential consequences of delivering the news at the wrong time. In the biblical narrative, timing is often linked to God's will, and Joab's decision can be seen as aligning with a divine sense of order and appropriateness.

because the king’s son is dead
The death of Absalom, King David's son, is the tragic news in question. The Hebrew word for "dead" (מֵת, met) is stark and final, underscoring the gravity of the situation. This phrase not only conveys the factual event but also the emotional and political ramifications for David, who is both a father and a king. The death of a royal heir has profound implications for the stability of the kingdom and the personal grief of the king, which Joab is acutely aware of.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joab
The commander of King David's army, known for his military prowess and sometimes ruthless decisions. In this passage, he is making a strategic decision about who should deliver the news of Absalom's death to King David.

2. Ahimaaz
The son of Zadok the priest, who is eager to deliver the news to King David but is advised against it by Joab.

3. King David
The ruler of Israel, who is deeply affected by the events surrounding his son Absalom's rebellion and subsequent death.

4. Absalom
David's son, who led a rebellion against his father. His death is the news that Joab is cautious about delivering to David.

5. The Battle
The conflict between David's forces and those loyal to Absalom, culminating in Absalom's death.
Teaching Points
The Weight of News
The passage highlights the responsibility of delivering difficult news. As Christians, we must consider the impact of our words and the timing of our messages.

Wisdom in Leadership
Joab's decision reflects the need for wisdom and discernment in leadership, especially when dealing with sensitive matters. Leaders must balance truth with compassion.

The Cost of Rebellion
Absalom's death serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God's anointed. It calls believers to examine their own hearts for rebellion against God's authority.

Empathy and Sensitivity
Joab's reluctance to send Ahimaaz underscores the importance of empathy and sensitivity when dealing with those who are grieving or in distress.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joab's decision to withhold the news from Ahimaaz reflect his understanding of King David's emotional state? How can we apply this understanding in our interactions with others?

2. In what ways does the account of Absalom's rebellion and death serve as a warning against pride and disobedience? Can you think of other biblical examples that reinforce this lesson?

3. How can we, as Christians, ensure that we deliver difficult news with both truth and grace? What biblical principles can guide us in these situations?

4. Reflect on a time when you had to deliver or receive difficult news. How did your faith influence your response, and what can you learn from Joab's example?

5. How does the relationship between Joab and David illustrate the complexities of loyalty and duty? Are there other biblical relationships that show similar tensions?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Samuel 18:5
This verse provides context for Joab's decision, as David had explicitly instructed his commanders to deal gently with Absalom. Joab's actions and his choice of messenger reflect the tension between military duty and personal loyalty to the king.

2 Samuel 18:33
This verse shows David's profound grief upon hearing of Absalom's death, highlighting the emotional weight of the news Joab is managing.

Proverbs 25:25
This verse speaks to the value of good news from a distant land, contrasting with the tragic news Joab is handling, emphasizing the importance of the messenger's role.
The End of AbsalomB. Dale
People
Abishai, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Cushi, David, Israelites, Ittai, Joab, Zadok, Zeruiah
Places
King's Valley, Mahanaim
Topics
Bear, Bearer, Borne, Carry, Dead, Forasmuch, Hast, However, Joab, Jo'ab, King's, News, Tidings, To-day
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 18:19-32

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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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