2 Samuel 18:23

23 "But howsoever," said he, "let me run." And he said unto him, "Run." Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and outran the Cushite.

2 Samuel 18:23 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 18:23

But howsoever ([said he]) let me run
Be it as it may, I beg I may have leave; and being so very importunate, it was granted:

and he said unto him, run;
since he would take no denial:

then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi;
who ran by the way of the mountains; which though the shorter way, that through the plain was easiest, and soonest run, though the longest.

2 Samuel 18:23 In-Context

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

22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, "But come what may, let me, I pray thee, also run after the Cushite." And Joab said, "Why wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?"

23 "But howsoever," said he, "let me run." And he said unto him, "Run." Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and outran the Cushite.

24 And David sat between the two gates; and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man running alone.

25 And the watchman cried and told the king. And the king said, "If he be alone, there are tidings in his mouth." And he came apace and drew near.