2 Samuel 18 Study Notes

18:17 All Absalom’s supporters fled, uncertain what reprisal might come from David’s victorious forces. Absalom’s body was taken down and thrown into a large pit in the forest and covered with a huge mound of stones, thus denying him a place in his family’s tombs and dishonoring him in his death (Jos 7:26).

18:18 Absalom had claimed that he had no son. Actually, he had three sons (14:27), so they must have preceded him in death.

18:19 Ahimaaz had been David’s trusted messenger throughout the ordeal, and now he wished to carry the good news of David’s victory. He also may have thought he could more gently break the news of Absalom’s death to his father than another messenger could.

Tsaphah denotes watch (1Sm 4:13), watch expectantly (Ps 5:3), watch over (Pr 31:27), or stand watch (2Sm 13:34). It usually occurs as a participle meaning watchman (Is 52:8) or lookout (Is 21:6). Tsaphah means watch (Jr 48:19) or look to (Mc 7:7), observe (Pr 15:3), and with “eye” implies keep an eye on (Ps 66:7). The wicked lie in wait for the righteous (Ps 37:32). The passive participle apparently means destined (Jb 15:22). Related tsippiyyah signifies watchtower (Lm 4:17). Mitspeh is watchtower (Is 21:8) or place overlooking (2Ch 20:24). It is also the name Mizpeh (7x). The name Mizpah (40x) means “place of watch,” and occurs in a wordplay with tsaphah (Gn 31:49) because God would watch two parties to see whether a covenant was kept. God compares Israel’s prophets (Ezk 3:17) and leaders (Is 56:10) to watchmen responsible for national welfare.

18:20-22 Joab probably feared the bearer of this news might meet a bad end and considered a Cushite’s life less valuable.

18:23 Ahimaaz appears to have taken the longer but easier route and thus outran the Cushite.

18:24-26 Certain runners brought good news and others brought bad news. That way, as soon as a runner was recognized, the people knew the basic outcome (v. 27). Sometimes a solitary runner indicated good news and two runners together indicated bad news (vv. 25-26).

18:27 David’s recognition of Ahimaaz brought the king hope that all was well.

18:28 Ahimaaz announced David’s victory without specifically mentioning Absalom’s death.

18:29-32 David’s question revealed the focus of his concern. Ahimaaz, who knew the truth, suddenly found himself at a loss for words. After the Cushite responded essentially as Ahimaaz had (vv. 28,31), David’s further inquiry specifically about Absalom brought the reply the king did not want to hear. The kingdom was David’s again, but he had lost another son.

18:33 The chamber above the city gate provided isolation for David, though the sound of his wailing could be heard by others (19:1).