2 Samuel 18:20

2 Samuel 18:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.”

King James Version KJV

And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king’s son is dead.

American Standard Version ASV

And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not be the bearer of tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day; but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king’s son is dead.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Joab said, You will take no news today; another day you may give him the news, but you will take no news today, because the king's son is dead.

Free Bible Version FBV

“You're not the man to take the good news today,” Joab replied. “You can do it some other time, but don't do it today, because the king's son is dead.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Ioab said vnto him, Thou shalt not be the messenger to day, but thou shalt beare tidings another time, but to day thou shalt beare none: for the Kings sonne is dead.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Joab saith to him, 'Thou art not a man of tidings this day, but thou hast borne tidings on another day, and this day thou dost not bear tidings, because the king's son [is] dead.'

World English Bible WEB

Joab said to him, “You must not be the bearer of news today, but you must carry news another day. But today you must carry no news, because the king’s son is dead.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Joab said to him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Joab said to him: Thou shalt not be the messenger this day, but shalt bear tidings another day: this day I will not have thee bear tidings, because the king’s son is dead.

Translation for Translators T4T

But Joab said to him, “No, I will not allow you to take news to the king today. Some other day I will allow you to take some news, but not today. If you took news today it would not be good news for the king, because his son is dead.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 18:20

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Samuel 18:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר ל֣/וֹ יוֹאָ֗ב לֹא֩ אִ֨ישׁ בְּשֹׂרָ֤ה אַתָּה֙ הַ/יּ֣וֹם הַ/זֶּ֔ה וּ/בִשַּׂרְתָּ֖ בְּ/י֣וֹם אַחֵ֑ר וְ/הַ/יּ֤וֹם הַ/זֶּה֙ לֹ֣א תְבַשֵּׂ֔ר כִּֽי על עַל כֵּ֥ן בֶּן הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ מֵֽת

וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

ל֣/וֹ Prep | Suff

יוֹאָ֗ב Yôwʼâb H3097 Joab N-proper

לֹא֩ lôʼ H3808 not Part

אִ֨ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

בְּשֹׂרָ֤ה bᵉsôwrâh H1309 good news N-fs

אַתָּה֙ ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

הַ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms

הַ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

וּ/בִשַּׂרְתָּ֖ bâsar H1319 to bear tidings Conj | V-Piel-2ms

בְּ/י֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-ms

אַחֵ֑ר ʼachêr H312 another Adj

וְ/הַ/יּ֤וֹם yôwm H3117 day Conj | Art | N-ms

הַ/זֶּה֙ zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

תְבַשֵּׂ֔ר bâsar H1319 to bear tidings V-Piel-Imperf-2ms

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

על ʻal H5921 upon Prep

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

כֵּ֥ן kên H3651 right Part

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

מֵֽת mûwth H4191 to die V-Qal-Perf-3ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 18:20

וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

ל֣/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

יוֹאָ֗ב Yôwʼâb H3097 "Joab" N-proper

Joab was a prominent Israelite, his name means Jehovah is father. He was King David's nephew and army general, playing a key role in the Bible, including in the books of Samuel and Kings.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.9 § Joab = "Jehovah is father" 1) son of David's sister Zeruiah and general of David's army 2) a Judaite descendant of Kenaz 3) a post exilic family

Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: Joab. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 19:2; Psalms 60:2.

לֹא֩ lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

אִ֨ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

בְּשֹׂרָ֤ה bᵉsôwrâh H1309 "good news" N-fs

This Hebrew word means 'good news' or 'glad tidings', and can also imply a reward for sharing good news.

Definition: 1) news, good news, tidings, reward for good news 1a) good tidings 1b) tidings, news 1c) reward for good tidings

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: reward for tidings. See also: 2 Samuel 4:10; 2 Samuel 18:25; 2 Kings 7:9.

אַתָּה֙ ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

הַ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

הַ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

וּ/בִשַּׂרְתָּ֖ bâsar H1319 "to bear tidings" Conj | V-Piel-2ms

Basar means to bear tidings or announce good news, often used to describe preaching or publishing glad news. It is used in the Bible to describe the spread of salvation or joyful messages.

Definition: 1) to bear news, bear tidings, publish, preach, show forth 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to gladden with good news 1a2) to bear news 1a3) to announce (salvation) as good news, preach 1b) (Hithpael) to receive good news

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: messenger, preach, publish, shew forth, (bear, bring, carry, preach, good, tell good) tidings. See also: 1 Samuel 4:17; 1 Chronicles 16:23; Psalms 40:10.

בְּ/י֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-ms

אַחֵ֑ר ʼachêr H312 "another" Adj

Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.

Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different

Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.

וְ/הַ/יּ֤וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Conj | Art | N-ms

הַ/זֶּה֙ zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

תְבַשֵּׂ֔ר bâsar H1319 "to bear tidings" V-Piel-Imperf-2ms

Basar means to bear tidings or announce good news, often used to describe preaching or publishing glad news. It is used in the Bible to describe the spread of salvation or joyful messages.

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: messenger, preach, publish, shew forth, (bear, bring, carry, preach, good, tell good) tidings. See also: 1 Samuel 4:17; 1 Chronicles 16:23; Psalms 40:10.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

על ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

כֵּ֥ן kên H3651 "right" Part

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

מֵֽת mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 18:20

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Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 18:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:20
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:20
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:20
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:20
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:20
Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:20

Context — David Mourns for Absalom

18During his lifetime, Absalom had set up for himself a pillar in the King’s Valley, for he had said, “I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.” So he gave the pillar his name, and to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument. 19Then 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.”

20But 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.”

21So Joab said to a Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running. 22Ahimaaz son of Zadok, however, persisted and said to Joab, “No matter what, please let me also run behind the Cushite!” “My son,” Joab replied, “why do you want to run, since you will not receive a reward?”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Samuel 18:5	Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” And all the people heard the king’s orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom.
2	2 Samuel 18:33	The king was shaken and went up to the gate chamber and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”
3	2 Samuel 17:16–21	Now send quickly and tell David, ‘Do not spend the night at the fords of the wilderness, but be sure to cross over. Otherwise the king and all the people with him will be swallowed up.’” Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, for they dared not be seen entering the city. But a young man did see them and told Absalom. So the two left quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it. Then the man’s wife took a covering and spread it over the mouth of the well, scattering grain over it so nobody would know a thing. When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem. After the men had gone, Ahimaaz and Jonathan climbed up out of the well and went to inform King David, saying, “Get up and cross over the river at once, for Ahithophel has given this advice against you.”
4	2 Samuel 18:27	The watchman said, “The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” “This is a good man,” said the king. “He comes with good news.”
5	2 Samuel 18:29	The king asked, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And Ahimaaz replied, “When Joab sent the king’s servant and your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I do not know what it was.”

2 Samuel 18:20 Summary

In this verse, Joab tells Ahimaaz not to take the good news to King David because his son Absalom has died. Joab wants to spare the king the pain of hearing about his son's death from Ahimaaz, and instead chooses a Cushite to deliver the news. This shows that Joab is considering the king's emotional well-being and wants to handle the situation with care, much like how we are called to consider others in our interactions, as seen in Philippians 2:3-4. We can learn from Joab's decision to be compassionate and wise in our interactions with others, as encouraged in Colossians 3:12-14.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Joab tell Ahimaaz not to take the good news to King David?

Joab told Ahimaaz not to take the good news to King David because the king's son, Absalom, was dead, and Joab wanted to spare David the pain of hearing about his son's death from Ahimaaz, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:20. This decision was likely made out of respect and compassion for the king, as noted in 2 Samuel 18:21.

What was the significance of Absalom's death to King David?

Absalom's death was significant to King David because Absalom was his son, and David loved him deeply, as expressed in 2 Samuel 18:33. The news of Absalom's death would have been devastating to David, and Joab wanted to handle the situation with care, similar to how David handled the death of his other son in 2 Samuel 12:23.

Who did Joab choose to tell King David about Absalom's death?

Joab chose a Cushite to tell King David about Absalom's death, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:21. This decision was likely made because the Cushite was not a Hebrew and may not have been as emotionally invested in the situation as Ahimaaz was, much like the way King David used non-Hebrews in his administration, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 15:18.

What can we learn from Joab's decision to spare King David the news of Absalom's death?

We can learn from Joab's decision that sometimes it is necessary to consider the emotional well-being of others when sharing difficult news, as seen in Proverbs 12:18. This requires wisdom, compassion, and tact, as demonstrated by Joab in 2 Samuel 18:20 and by King David in his interactions with others, such as in 1 Samuel 30:6.

Reflection Questions

What are some situations in my life where I need to consider the emotional well-being of others when sharing news, and how can I apply the principle seen in 2 Samuel 18:20?
How can I balance the need to be honest with the need to be compassionate when sharing difficult news with others, as demonstrated by Joab in this verse?
What are some ways I can demonstrate respect and compassion for others, as Joab did for King David in this passage, and how can I apply these principles in my relationships with others, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:32?
How can I trust God's sovereignty in difficult situations, even when the news is painful or devastating, as King David did in 2 Samuel 18:33 and as encouraged in Romans 8:28?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:20

And Joab said unto him, thou shall not bear tidings this day,.... Because Joab knew the tidings of Absalom's death would not be acceptable to the king; and Ahimaaz being a good man, and the son of a

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:20

And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:20

And thou shalt not be a messenger of evil tidings, which will be unwelcome to him, and prejudicial to thee.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:20

2 Samuel 18:20 And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king’ s son is dead. Ver. 20. Because the king’ s son is dead.] Not by a fever and a flux, with excoriation of his bowels (as died Henry, son of our Henry II - crowned by his father, but rebelling against him - after floods of tears, and a most sorrowful confession of his sin; which being by some good Ahimaaz afterwards related to his father, who hearing before of his penitency, had sent him his ring in token of forgiveness, the king fell upon the earth weeping bitterly, and mourned very sore); but by a most sad stroke of divine justice in the flagrancy of his rebellion, which he had neither space nor grace to regret, that we read of. This would be heavy news to good David, as Joab well knew; and therefore, out of his love to Ahimaaz, was loath to send him with it. Speed, 522.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:20

(20) Thou shalt bear no tidings.—Ahimaaz appears to have been in favour both with David (comp. 2 Samuel 18:27) and with Joab. Joab, therefore, well knowing how painful to David would be the news of the death of Absalom, refused to let Ahimaaz bear it. The word is used, with rare exceptions, of good tidings.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:20

20. bear tidings] The word with rare exceptions means to bear good tidings, and this meaning should be retained here and in 2 Samuel 18:19. Joab would not let Ahimaaz have the thankless task of carrying news which to the king would be no good news.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:20

20. The woman said — Like Rahab, she deceived them. Compare Joshua 2:4-5. The brook of water — The wady or stream that ran just below Bahurim.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:20

	Sermon	Description
	Deal Gently by Samuel Logan Brengle	Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the importance of dealing gently with others, drawing parallels between King David's plea for Absalom and Jesus' compassion for sinners. Despite Abs
	More Ugly and Horrid Than the Devil Himself! by Thomas Brooks	Thomas Brooks emphasizes the grave danger of bosom sins, which are cherished sins that individuals hold onto despite their destructive nature. He contrasts the attitudes of unsound
	(Genesis) Genesis 37:34-36 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the grief of Jacob over the loss of his son Joseph. Jacob is seen mourning for his son and refusing to be comforted. The speaker suggests tha
	(2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom by David Guzik	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Absalom's crime and his ultimate fate. The preacher mentions that some ancient rabbis believed that Absalom's crime was so sever
	O America, America by Dan Biser	This sermon emphasizes the urgency for prayer, repentance, and seeking God's intervention in the face of societal decline and moral decay. It draws parallels from biblical stories
	Anguish of Parents at the Perverseness of Children by Edward Payson	Edward Payson preaches about the grief of King David upon hearing of his son Absalom's death, emphasizing the anguish of a parent fearing for the eternal fate of their unprepared c
	(2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort by David Guzik	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of David and his trusted advisors during a time of conflict with Absalom. Jonathan and Ahimaz risk their lives to gather informati