2Sa 18:19 | MHM | STEP | David's Grief for Absalom. This section recounts how David received the news of Absalom’s death. While David’s forces achieved victory, the king’s grief for his rebellious son overshadowed the triumph. His deep sorrow highlights the complexity of parental love, the pain of loss, and the human struggle to accept God’s justice and providence. v. 19-23 : Ahimaaz, a loyal priest, eagerly asked permission to carry the news of victory to David (2 Samuel 18:19 ). However, Joab chose Cushi, likely an Ethiopian servant, for this task because he feared that David would not react well to hearing of Absalom’s death (2 Samuel 18:21-22 ). Despite Joab’s initial refusal, Ahimaaz begged to follow Cushi and eventually outran him, arriving first (2 Samuel 18:23 ). Ahimaaz may have wanted to soften the blow of bad news or take pride in delivering the victory report.

‏ 2 Samuel 18:19

David's Grief for Absalom.

This section recounts how David received the news of Absalom’s death. While David’s forces achieved victory, the king’s grief for his rebellious son overshadowed the triumph. His deep sorrow highlights the complexity of parental love, the pain of loss, and the human struggle to accept God’s justice and providence.

v. 19-23: Ahimaaz, a loyal priest, eagerly asked permission to carry the news of victory to David (2 Samuel 18:19 ^a). However, Joab chose Cushi, likely an Ethiopian servant, for this task because he feared that David would not react well to hearing of Absalom’s death (2 Samuel 18:21-22 ^b). Despite Joab’s initial refusal, Ahimaaz begged to follow Cushi and eventually outran him, arriving first (2 Samuel 18:23 ^c). Ahimaaz may have wanted to soften the blow of bad news or take pride in delivering the victory report.