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The king said, &#8220If he is alone, he must have good news.&#8221 And the runner came closer and closer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He shouted the news down to David, and the king replied, “If he is alone, he has news.” As the messenger came closer,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The watchman called out and told the king. And the king said, “If he is alone, there is news in his mouth.” And he drew nearer and nearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So he called out and told the king. “If he is alone,” the king replied, “he bears good news.” As the first runner drew near,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he <i>be</i> alone, <i>there is</i> tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the watchman cried out and told the king. And the king said, “If he <i>is</i> alone, <i>there is</i> news in his mouth.” And he came rapidly and drew near.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the watchman called out and told the king. And the king said, “If he is by himself there is good news in his mouth.” And he came nearer and nearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The watchman called and told the king. And the king said, &#8220If he is by himself there is good news in his mouth.&#8221 And he came nearer and nearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the watchman called and told the king. And the king said, “If he is by himself there is good news in his mouth.” And he came nearer and nearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the watchman called and told the king. And the king said, “If he is by himself there is good news in his mouth.” And he came nearer and nearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The lookout called <i>down</i> and told the king. The king said, “If he is alone, he has good news to tell.” And he came nearer and nearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He called out and told the king. The king said, “If he’s alone, he bears good news.” As the first runner came closer,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He called out and told the king. The king said, &#8220If he&#8217s alone, he bears good news.&#8221 As the first runner came closer, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and shouted down to tell David. David answered, "If he's alone, he must have some news." The runner was getting closer, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The watchman called and alerted the king. "If he's alone," the king said, "he has good news to tell." The runner continued to come closer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He called down and told the king, and the king said, "If he is alone, he is bringing good news." The runner kept coming closer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So the watchman called out his news to the king. The king responded, "If he's alone, he's bringing some news to report." As the man continued to draw near and approach the palace,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So he called out and told the king. ?If he is alone,? the king replied, ?he bears good news.? As the first runner drew near,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So the watchman called out and informed the king. The king said, "If he is by himself, he brings good news." The runner came ever closer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then the watchman shouted and informed the king. And the king said, "If he is alone, there is good news in his mouth." And he kept coming nearer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the watchman called, and told the king. And the king said, If he is alone there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The watchman shouted and told the king. The king said, “If he is alone, there is news in his mouth.” He came closer and closer. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the watchman calls, and declares [it] to the king, and the king says, “If [he is] by himself, tidings [are] in his mouth”; and he comes, coming on and drawing near.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the watchman calleth, and declareth to the king, and the king saith, 'If by himself, tidings are in his mouth;' and he cometh, coming on and drawing near.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the watcher will call and announce to the king. And the king will say, If alone, good news in his month. And he will go, going, and draw near.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And crying out he told the king: and the king said: If he be alone, there are good tidings in his mouth. And as he was coming apace, and drawing nearer, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And crying out, he told the king. And the king said, “If he is alone, there is good news in his mouth.” But as he was advancing and drawing nearer,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The lookout shouted to inform the king, who said, “If he is alone, he has good news to report.” As he kept coming nearer,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The sentinel shouted and told the king. The king said, “If he is alone, there are tidings in his mouth.” He kept coming, and drew near.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the watchman called out and told the king. And the king said, if he is alone, there are tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Watchman called and he told the King, and the King said: “If he is alone, good news is in his mouth!”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said: 'If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth.' And he came apace, and drew near.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the watchman cried out, and reported to the king. And the king said, If he be alone, <i>there are</i> good tidings in his mouth. And the man came and drew near.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/18-25.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=5379" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/18.htm">David Mourns for Absalom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">24</span>Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall, looked out, and saw a man running alone. <span class="reftext">25</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6822.htm" title="6822: haṣ·ṣō·p̄eh (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to lean forward, i.e. To peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await.">So he</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">called out</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: way·yag·gêḏ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To be conspicuous. ">and told</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: lam·me·leḵ (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king.</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">“If he is alone,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/905.htm" title="905: lə·ḇad·dōw (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Separation, a part. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: bə·p̄îw (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">“he bears</a> <a href="/hebrew/1309.htm" title="1309: bə·śō·w·rāh (N-fs) -- Tidings. Or bsorah; feminine from basar; glad tidings; by implication, reward for good news.">good news.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·leḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">As the first runner drew</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hā·lō·wḵ (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7131.htm" title="7131: wə·qā·rêḇ (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- Approaching. From qarab; near.">near,</a> </span><span class="reftext">26</span>the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!” “This one also brings good news,” said the king.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/13-34.htm">2 Samuel 13:34</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Absalom had fled. When the young man standing watch looked up, he saw many people coming down the road west of him, along the side of the hill. And the watchman went and reported to the king, “I see men coming from the direction of Horonaim, along the side of the hill.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-24.htm">2 Samuel 15:24-26</a></span><br />Zadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had passed out of the city. / Then the king said to Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and let me see both it and His dwelling place again. / But if He should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’ then here I am; let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-17.htm">2 Samuel 17:17</a></span><br />Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, for they dared not be seen entering the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-20.htm">2 Samuel 19:20</a></span><br />For your servant knows that I have sinned, so here I am today as the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-42.htm">1 Kings 1:42</a></span><br />As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” said Adonijah, “for you are a man of valor. You must be bringing good news.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-17.htm">2 Kings 9:17-20</a></span><br />Now the watchman standing on the tower in Jezreel saw Jehu’s troops approaching, and he called out, “I see a company of troops!” “Choose a rider,” Joram commanded. “Send him out to meet them and ask, ‘Have you come in peace?’” / So a horseman rode off to meet Jehu and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” And the watchman reported, “The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back.” / So the king sent out a second horseman, who went to them and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/4-13.htm">1 Samuel 4:13</a></span><br />When he arrived, there was Eli, sitting on his chair beside the road and watching, because his heart trembled for the ark of God. When the man entered the city to give a report, the whole city cried out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-16.htm">1 Samuel 14:16</a></span><br />Now when Saul’s watchmen at Gibeah in Benjamin looked and saw the troops melting away and scattering in every direction,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-4.htm">1 Samuel 26:4</a></span><br />David sent out spies to verify that Saul had arrived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/1-5.htm">2 Samuel 1:5</a></span><br />Then David asked the young man who had brought him the report, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-10.htm">2 Samuel 15:10</a></span><br />Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-28.htm">2 Samuel 15:28</a></span><br />See, I will wait at the fords of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm">2 Samuel 18:19-20</a></span><br />Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.” / But Joab replied, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-27.htm">2 Samuel 18:27</a></span><br />The watchman said, “The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” “This is a good man,” said the king. “He comes with good news.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-29.htm">2 Samuel 18:29</a></span><br />The king asked, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And Ahimaaz replied, “When Joab sent the king’s servant and your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I do not know what it was.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/18-24.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-16.htm">Apace</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-12.htm">Cried</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-10.htm">Declareth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-5.htm">Drawing</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-16.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-4.htm">Good</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-19.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-41.htm">Nearer</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-22.htm">News</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-13.htm">Reported</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-22.htm">Tidings</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-32.htm">Travelling</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-24.htm">Watchman</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/18-26.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/psalms/58-7.htm">Apace</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-4.htm">Cried</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-3.htm">Declareth</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-26.htm">Drawing</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-17.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-26.htm">Good</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-9.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-24.htm">Nearer</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-26.htm">News</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-9.htm">Reported</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-26.htm">Tidings</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-13.htm">Travelling</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-26.htm">Watchman</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-1.htm">David viewing the armies in their march gives them charge of Absalom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-6.htm">The Israelites are sorely smitten in the wood of ephraim</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-9.htm">Absalom, hanging in an oak is slain by Joab, and cast into a pit</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-18.htm">Absalom's place</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm">Ahimaaz and Cushi bring tidings to David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-33.htm">David mourns for Absalom</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So he called out and told the king.</b><br>In this context, the watchman is performing his duty by alerting King David of an approaching runner. This reflects the ancient practice of using watchmen to keep an eye on the horizon for messengers or potential threats. The role of a watchman is significant throughout the Bible, symbolizing vigilance and readiness, as seen in <a href="/ezekiel/33-7.htm">Ezekiel 33:7</a>, where God appoints Ezekiel as a watchman for Israel.<p><b>“If he is alone,” the king replied,</b><br>King David's response indicates his experience and understanding of military communication. In ancient times, a single runner often signified a message of importance, as opposed to a group which might indicate an approaching threat or army. This reflects David's wisdom and discernment, qualities that are highlighted throughout his reign.<p><b>“he bears good news.”</b><br>The expectation of good news from a lone runner is rooted in the cultural and historical context of the time. In <a href="/1_samuel/31.htm">1 Samuel 31</a>, the news of Saul's death was brought by a single Amalekite, which was initially perceived as good news for David. This phrase also foreshadows the Gospel, the "Good News" of Jesus Christ, who is often seen as the ultimate messenger bringing salvation to humanity.<p><b>As the first runner drew near,</b><br>The approach of the runner signifies the imminent delivery of news, creating a sense of anticipation. This moment is pivotal, as it will reveal the outcome of the battle between David's forces and those of his son Absalom. The anticipation of news is a recurring theme in the Bible, such as the anticipation of the Messiah in the Old Testament, fulfilled in the New Testament with the coming of Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/w/watchman.htm">Watchman</a></b><br>A sentinel stationed to observe and report any approaching individuals or events. In ancient times, watchmen played a crucial role in the safety and communication of a city or camp.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/gatekeeper.htm">Gatekeeper</a></b><br>The person responsible for controlling access to the city or palace, ensuring security and order.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_david.htm">King David</a></b><br>The reigning king of Israel at this time, who is eagerly awaiting news from the battlefield concerning his son Absalom and the outcome of the conflict.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/r/runner.htm">Runner</a></b><br>A messenger tasked with delivering news from the battlefield to the king. In this context, the runner is expected to bring news of the battle's outcome.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/battle_of_absalom.htm">Battle of Absalom</a></b><br>The conflict between King David's forces and those loyal to his son Absalom, who had rebelled against David's rule.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_watchman.htm">The Role of the Watchman</a></b><br>Just as the watchman was vigilant in observing and reporting, Christians are called to be spiritually alert and discerning, watching for signs of God's work and the enemy's schemes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_communication.htm">The Importance of Communication</a></b><br>Effective communication is vital in both spiritual and practical matters. Like the runner, we are called to be messengers of the Gospel, bringing the good news of Christ to others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/anticipation_of_good_news.htm">Anticipation of Good News</a></b><br>King David's expectation of good news reflects the hope we have in Christ. Despite life's battles, we can trust in God's ultimate victory and the good news of salvation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responsibility_of_leadership.htm">Responsibility of Leadership</a></b><br>The gatekeeper's role in managing access and security parallels the responsibility of leaders to protect and guide their communities with wisdom and integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_news.htm">Responding to News</a></b><br>Our response to news, whether good or bad, should be rooted in faith and trust in God's sovereignty, as demonstrated by King David's reaction to the messengers.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/david's_horsemen_capture__1,700_or_7,000.htm">When David defeated the King of Zobah, how many horsemen did he capture? One thousand and seven hundred (2 Samuel 8:4) Seven thousand (I Chronicles 18:4)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_2_kings_18_25_consistent_with_other_divine_judgments.htm">2 Kings 18:25 - Is the claim that the Assyrian king was acting by God's command consistent with other biblical accounts of divine judgment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_swift_secret_messaging_in_2_sam_17_15-21_realistic.htm">How realistic is the swift exchange of secret messages in 2 Samuel 17:15-21, given the distance and security risks involved in ancient Israel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_many_wives_did_king_david_have.htm">How many wives did King David have?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 25.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If he be alone.</span> In case of defeat there would have been a crowd of runaways in eager flight. And when soon afterwards a second courier is seen, as he also is alone, and comes by a different route, his appearance only suggests the idea of completer tidings. And quickly the foremost is recognized by his running as the son of the high priest, and David is then assured that all has gone well, because Joab would not have sent a man of such rank to be the bearer of bad news. The word <span class="cmt_word">good</span> may also mean that Ahimaaz was too brave a man to have fled from the battle, and must, therefore, have come on an errand from Joab. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/18-25.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So [he]</span><br /><span class="heb">הַצֹּפֶה֙</span> <span class="translit">(haṣ·ṣō·p̄eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6822.htm">Strong's 6822: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await</span><br /><br /><span class="word">called out</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקְרָ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and told</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּגֵּ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(way·yag·gêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be conspicuous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king.</span><br /><span class="heb">לַמֶּ֔לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(lam·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“If he is alone,”</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">replied,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֣אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“he bears</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּפִ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(bə·p̄îw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">good news.”</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּשׂוֹרָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(bə·śō·w·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1309.htm">Strong's 1309: </a> </span><span class="str2">Glad tidings, reward for, good news</span><br /><br /><span class="word">As the first runner drew</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">near,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְקָרֵֽב׃</span> <span class="translit">(wə·qā·rêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7131.htm">Strong's 7131: </a> </span><span class="str2">Approaching</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/18-25.htm">2 Samuel 18:25 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18-25.htm">2 Samuel 18:25 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/18-25.htm">2 Samuel 18:25 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18-25.htm">2 Samuel 18:25 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18-25.htm">2 Samuel 18:25 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/18-25.htm">2 Samuel 18:25 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/18-25.htm">2 Samuel 18:25 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/18-25.htm">2 Samuel 18:25 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/18-25.htm">2 Samuel 18:25 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/18-25.htm">2 Samuel 18:25 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/18-25.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 18:25 The watchman cried and told the king (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/18-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/18-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:26" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>