2Sa 18:19-27 | Clarke

2 Samuel 18:19-27

Verse 21

Tell the king what thou hast seen - At this time the death of Absalom was not publicly known; but Joab had given Cushi private information of it. This Ahimaaz had not, for he could not tell the king whether Absalom were dead. To this Joab seems to refer, 2Sam 18:22 : "Thou hast no tidings ready. Verse 24

David sat between the two gates - He was probably in the seat of justice. Before the gate of the city it is supposed there was an enclosure, which had its gate also; David sat in the space between these two doors. Over the larger gate there appears to have been a turret, on which a sentinel or watchman stood continually, and gave information of what he saw in the country. Verse 25

If he be alone, there is tidings - That is, good tidings. For if the battle had been lost men would have been running in different directions through the country.