2 Samuel 18:21

So Joab said to a Cushite, "Go, tell the king what you have seen." The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running.

Study Bible

Then Joab said
Joab, the commander of King David's army, is a central figure in this narrative. His name in Hebrew, יוֹאָב (Yo'av), means "Yahweh is father." Joab's actions throughout the books of Samuel reveal a complex character who is fiercely loyal to David but often acts with ruthless pragmatism. In this context, Joab's decision to send a messenger reflects his strategic mind, understanding the importance of controlling the flow of information to King David.

to the Cushite
The term "Cushite" refers to a person from Cush, a region often associated with the area south of Egypt, possibly modern-day Sudan. In the biblical context, Cushites were known for their distinct appearance and were sometimes employed as mercenaries or servants. The choice of a Cushite as a messenger may indicate Joab's intention to use someone who was not an Israelite, perhaps to distance the message from internal political implications or to ensure the message was delivered swiftly and without bias.

Go, tell the king
The directive "Go, tell the king" underscores the urgency and importance of the message. In ancient times, communication was primarily oral, and the role of a messenger was crucial. The king, in this case, David, needed to be informed of the outcome of the battle and the fate of his son Absalom. This phrase highlights the responsibility placed on the messenger to convey not just information, but the emotional and political weight of the news.

what you have seen
This phrase emphasizes the eyewitness nature of the report. In biblical narratives, firsthand accounts are valued for their authenticity and reliability. The Cushite's role is to provide an accurate depiction of events, which in this case involves the death of Absalom. The phrase also suggests a level of trust in the Cushite's ability to observe and report faithfully, a critical aspect in a time when written records were scarce.

The Cushite bowed to Joab
Bowing is a gesture of respect and submission, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The Cushite's act of bowing to Joab signifies acknowledgment of Joab's authority and the acceptance of the task. This gesture also reflects the hierarchical nature of the society, where social and military ranks were clearly defined and respected.

and ran off
The phrase "ran off" indicates the immediacy and urgency of the mission. Running suggests haste, reflecting the critical nature of the message and the need for it to reach King David without delay. In the broader narrative, this urgency is tied to the emotional and political turmoil surrounding Absalom's rebellion and its aftermath. The Cushite's swift departure underscores the tension and anticipation of how David will receive the news.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joab
The commander of King David's army, known for his military prowess and sometimes ruthless actions. In this passage, he is orchestrating the delivery of news to King David.

2. The Cushite
An unnamed messenger, likely from the region of Cush (modern-day Sudan or Ethiopia), tasked with delivering the news of Absalom's death to King David.

3. King David
The reigning king of Israel, who is anxiously awaiting news from the battlefield concerning his son Absalom.

4. Absalom
David's son, who led a rebellion against his father. His death is the news being delivered in this passage.

5. The Battle
The conflict between David's forces and those loyal to Absalom, culminating in Absalom's death.

Teaching Points

The Weight of Responsibility
Joab's decision to send the Cushite instead of Ahimaaz underscores the importance of delivering difficult news with sensitivity and wisdom. As Christians, we must consider the impact of our words and actions on others.

The Role of Messengers
The Cushite's role as a messenger reminds us of our calling to be messengers of the Gospel. We are tasked with delivering the truth, even when it is difficult, with grace and love.

The Sovereignty of God
Despite the chaos and tragedy of Absalom's rebellion, God's sovereign plan for David and Israel continues to unfold. This encourages us to trust in God's control over our lives, even in tumultuous times.

The Consequences of Sin
Absalom's rebellion and its outcome serve as a stark reminder of the destructive nature of sin and the importance of repentance and obedience to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joab's decision to send the Cushite instead of Ahimaaz reflect his understanding of the situation and his leadership style?

2. In what ways can we apply the Cushite's role as a messenger to our own responsibility to share the Gospel?

3. How does David's reaction to Absalom's death (later in the chapter) inform our understanding of the personal cost of leadership and family dynamics?

4. What lessons can we learn from the consequences of Absalom's rebellion about the importance of aligning our desires with God's will?

5. How can we trust in God's sovereignty when faced with difficult or tragic circumstances in our own lives? What scriptures can we turn to for encouragement?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 18:19-20
These verses provide context for why Joab chose the Cushite to deliver the news instead of Ahimaaz, who also wanted to run. Joab's decision reflects his understanding of the gravity of the news and its potential impact on David.

2 Samuel 18:32-33
These verses show David's reaction to the news of Absalom's death, highlighting the personal and emotional consequences of the events.

2 Samuel 14:25-27
These verses describe Absalom's appearance and family, providing background on his character and the potential reasons for his rebellion.

2 Samuel 15:1-12
This passage details Absalom's conspiracy against David, setting the stage for the battle and the events of 2 Samuel 18.