2 Samuel 18:20

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 .

2 Samuel 18:20 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 18:20

And Joab said unto him, thou shall not bear tidings this day,
&c.] 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 priest, for whom Joab had a respect, he would not send the tidings by him, which he was sensible would not recommend him to the king:

but thou shalt bear tidings another day;
when any salvation is wrought, or victory obtained, the tidings of which will be welcome:

but this day thou shall bear no tidings, because the king's son is
dead;
and thou must carry the news concerning his death, which it is not proper thou shouldest, being a priest, nor will it be to thine advantage.

2 Samuel 18:20 In-Context

18 Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king's dale: for he said , I have no son to keep my name in remembrance : and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place.

19 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run , and bear the king tidings , how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies .

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 .

21 Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen . And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran .

22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said , Wherefore wilt thou run , my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready ?