2 Samuel 18:28

Then Ahimaaz called out to the king, "All is well!" And he bowed facedown before the king. He continued, "Blessed be the LORD your God! He has delivered up the men who raised their hands against my lord the king."

Study Bible

Then Ahimaaz called out to the king
Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok the priest, is a messenger in this narrative. His role as a runner is significant in the context of ancient Israel, where messengers were crucial for communication. The Hebrew root for "called out" (קָרָא, qara) implies a loud proclamation, indicating urgency and importance. Ahimaaz's approach to King David reflects the respect and protocol observed in royal communications.

All is well!
The phrase "All is well" is translated from the Hebrew word "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom), which encompasses peace, completeness, and welfare. In the context of the battle and the rebellion led by Absalom, this declaration is not just about physical safety but also about the restoration of divine order and peace in the kingdom. It reflects a deep-seated hope for reconciliation and stability.

He bowed facedown before the king
Bowing facedown is a gesture of deep respect and submission, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. This act signifies Ahimaaz's acknowledgment of David's authority and his own humility. It is a physical manifestation of loyalty and reverence, aligning with the biblical principle of honoring those in leadership as ordained by God.

Blessed be the LORD your God!
This exclamation is a doxology, a short hymn of praises to God. The Hebrew word for "blessed" (בָּרוּךְ, baruch) is often used in the context of worship and thanksgiving. Ahimaaz attributes the victory to the LORD, recognizing His sovereignty and intervention. This reflects a theocentric worldview, where God is seen as the ultimate source of deliverance and success.

He has delivered up the men
The phrase "delivered up" comes from the Hebrew word "סָגַר" (sagar), meaning to hand over or surrender. This indicates divine intervention in the battle's outcome. Theologically, it underscores the belief that God actively participates in the affairs of His people, ensuring justice and the fulfillment of His purposes.

who raised their hands against my lord the king
The act of raising hands against the king symbolizes rebellion and treason. In the historical context, Absalom's insurrection was not just a political coup but a direct challenge to God's anointed king. The phrase emphasizes the gravity of the offense and the righteousness of God's judgment in defending His chosen leader. It serves as a reminder of the divine mandate and protection over those whom God appoints.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ahimaaz
The son of Zadok the priest, Ahimaaz was a swift runner and a loyal messenger for King David. He was known for his eagerness to deliver news, even when it was difficult.

2. King David
The second king of Israel, David was a man after God's own heart. At this point in the account, he is dealing with the rebellion led by his son Absalom.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, is invoked here as the one who delivers and protects His anointed king, David.

4. The Men Who Raised Their Hands Against the King
This refers to Absalom and his followers who rebelled against King David, seeking to overthrow his rule.

5. The Battle
The context of this verse is the aftermath of the battle in the forest of Ephraim, where David's forces defeated Absalom's army.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Deliverance
Recognize that God is in control of all situations, and He delivers His people according to His will and purpose.

The Role of a Faithful Messenger
Like Ahimaaz, we are called to be faithful messengers of God's truth, delivering His message with integrity and courage.

The Importance of Giving Glory to God
Ahimaaz's immediate response was to bless the LORD. We should always give credit to God for victories and deliverances in our lives.

Trust in God's Justice
Even in times of rebellion and conflict, trust that God will bring justice and uphold His anointed.

The Power of Encouragement
Ahimaaz's message brought encouragement to David. We should strive to be sources of encouragement to others, especially in times of distress.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ahimaaz's message to King David reflect his understanding of God's role in the battle's outcome?

2. In what ways can we be faithful messengers of God's truth in our own lives, similar to Ahimaaz?

3. How does the theme of divine deliverance in 2 Samuel 18:28 connect with other instances of God's deliverance in the Bible?

4. What can we learn from Ahimaaz's example about the importance of giving glory to God in our victories?

5. How can we apply the principle of trusting in God's justice when facing personal conflicts or challenges today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 3
This psalm, attributed to David during Absalom's rebellion, reflects David's trust in God's deliverance, similar to the message Ahimaaz brings.

1 Samuel 17:47
David's declaration that "the battle is the LORD's" during his confrontation with Goliath echoes the theme of divine deliverance found in Ahimaaz's message.

Romans 8:31
The assurance that "if God is for us, who can be against us?" parallels the confidence in God's deliverance expressed by Ahimaaz.